Page 46 - Tcexpression2021 - Sept to Dec 2020

This must be by the regulations, standards and codes However, the gas compression process would consume
of practice of each country. The European Union has 6 to 15% of Hydrogen’s total energy content.
adopted two directives on safety and health, known
as ATEX (Atmospheric Explosion) 94/9/EC and ATEX Compressed gas storage is favoured as it is a simple,
99/92/E. reliable and proven technique. Hydrogen storage
in solid form using metal hydrides is a promising
Other Challenges alternative to pressurised or cryogenic storage method.
A significant challenge in hydrogen storage system
Energy security and global climate change are the main design is selecting alternate lightweight materials to
drivers for the future growth of hydrogen infrastructure. withstand high storage pressures or low temperatures.
It has created a favourable environment for investing Efforts are required to increase the energy efficiency of
and developing hydrogen infrastructure. However, storage systems.
several significant challenges must be addressed
to obtain benefits of hydrogen-based clean energy Research programs can reduce the energy associated
systems. with compression/liquefaction processes related to
liquid hydrogen technologies. When Hydrogen is to be
Any new infrastructure development requires used for transportation, a challenge lies in minimising
regulatory framework and policies to ensure risk-free refuelling hydrogen cylinders’ time similar to liquid fuel
investments by the users in hydrogen energy sectors. tank filling.
The government has a critical role in promoting
technology innovations and its successful deployment Transportation and distribution costs are the most
in new infrastructure. Innovation and competition critical factors that affect the Hydrogen economy.
can help with cost reductions. It is necessary that all Pipeline transport mode is a technologically
stakeholders (Producers, Users and Investors) work sophisticated and efficient method for supplying
together to achieve long-term stability. large hydrogen quantities. However, the selection
of construction materials, optimum pressure level
Currently, hydrogen production systems are primarily selections, leak detection, and safety issues need to be
based on fossil fuel availability, and a shift to the standardised.
renewable source is needed. Presently, the efficiencies
of hydrogen making technologies from renewable Developing a full nationwide distribution network
sources are low. Also, they are not available for (similar to the natural gas grid) may require much time.
implementation on a small scale. Most of the hydrogen To start with, regional networks can be considered for
production currently is achieved in central facilities due faster development. Availability of relevant codes and
to the size of operations. standards to address safety issues for infrastructure
development plays a critical role. Standard policy
To expand and promote the use of Hydrogen as an for using existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen
alternative fuel to various applications, production service can be framed if spare capacity is available in
technologies must be selected and developed existing natural gas pipelines.
suitably so that Hydrogen can be produced at near to
user locations in economical and sustained manner. The overall hydrogen infrastructure development
Small scale reforming technology, coal gasification, program should address developing alternate
renewables, etc., need further research efforts. technologies for production at both small and large
scale, economical storage methods to enhance energy
Hydrogen storage requires special attention due to its density, cheaper pipeline materials, and standard
low volumetric density. Essential criteria for hydrogen practices for leak detection and other safety issues.
storage systems require considerations to energy
requirements, methods to obtain high gravimetric and Continuous research, industrial interest and investment,
volumetric energy density, minimise emissions, safety and the country’s policy can overcome the above-
in operation, long lifetime, etc. listed challenges. The fully developed hydrogen value
chain will be more complex and requires cross-sectoral
Currently, compressed gas is the most favoured option investments, especially for new network infrastructure.
in transportation solutions for onboard storage of
Hydrogen.

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