Marie-Laure Gelin, Howden, the Netherlands, explores the challenges associated with scaling up the use of hydrogen in support of the energy transition, and details a number of projects in which the company’s compression technologies have been used.
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t is becoming increasingly clear that hydrogen will play an essential role in accelerating the global energy transition. Global hydrogen production is forecast to more than double by 2030, following international public and private sector commitments. As a cleaner and secure fuel source, hydrogen has the capacity to be a powerful enabler in the transition away from fossil fuels, as it can function as both a carrier and converter of energy. However, in order to harness its full potential to decarbonise energy systems, the challenge of securing sufficient supply must be overcome by developing global and local energy infrastructure – quickly, with commercially-viable technologies. The development of renewable energy sources, and the switch to a low-carbon energy carrier, is aimed at
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decarbonising the energy system across the heavy industry and mobility sectors. Integrating hydrogen into the energy system will allow for the deployment of renewable energy in power-to-X and gas-to-power settings, depending on hydrogen storage and distribution demand.
The role of compression
Compression is a key aspect in hydrogen applications, to facilitate the efficient movement of hydrogen across the value chain, from production to consumption. The compressor is the heart of the system; if it fails, production comes to a halt. As a global provider of mission-critical air and gas handling products, Howden has provided hydrogen compression technologies to refineries, chemical plants, and industrial premises for over 100 years.
