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Hydrogen newsletter 27 February-4 March 

Statements of companies and regulators with links of primary sources about real projects 

Breakthrough Research Enables High-Density Hydrogen Storage for Future Energy Systems

A groundbreaking development in efficient hydrogen storage has been reported by professor Hyunchul Oh in the Department of Chemistry at UNIST, marking a significant advancement in future energy systems., the UNIST reported on its site. This innovative research centers around a nanoporous magnesium borohydride structure (Mg(BH₄)₂), showcasing the remarkable capability to store hydrogen at high densities even under normal atmospheric pressure.

The research team, under the leadership of Professor Oh, has successfully tackled the challenge of low hydrogen storage capacity by leveraging advanced high-density adsorption technology. Through the synthesis of a nanoporous complex hydride comprising magnesium hydride, solid boron hydride (BH4)2, and magnesium cation (Mg+), the developed material enables the storage of five hydrogen molecules in a three-dimensional arrangement, achieving unprecedented high-density hydrogen storage.

Press release https://shorturl.at/vJKR7

Thiozen Awarded $1.18 M for Breakthrough Clean Hydrogen Production Technology

 Thiozen, the first company ever to produce clean hydrogen from “sour gas” waste streams, today announced that it has received $1.18 million in grants from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to help the company commercialize its breakthrough technology that replaces traditional hydrogen production methods. Having recently piloted its technology through the de-souring of associated gas in the Permian Basin, Thiozen will use the NSF grants to fund additional projects that advance the commercial readiness of the company’s patented chemical process.

The NSF grants are funded through America’s Seed Fund, a congressionally mandated effort that is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.

“Thiozen offers the first-ever technology capable of producing hydrogen from sour gas waste streams, giving the energy industry the low-cost, low-emission hydrogen production method it needs,” said Ryan Gillis, President of Thiozen. “We greatly appreciate this funding from NSF, which will help us scale commercialization and perform multiple experimental campaigns demonstrating Thiozen’s superior performance against legacy hydrogen production technologies.”

Press release https://shorturl.at/sEK37

L&T commissions first indigenously manufactured hydrogen electrolyser at Hazira

Indian Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has achieved a significant milestone in the clean energy space by commissioning its first indigenously manufactured electrolyser at the Green Hydrogen Plant at A M Naik Heavy Engineering Complex in Hazira, Gujarat. This pioneering accomplishment signifies L&T Electrolysers Limited’s foray into domestic electrolyser manufacturing, underscoring the company’s steadfast dedication to propelling sustainable energy solutions.

Featuring a rated power capacity of 1 MW (expandable to 2 MW), this electrolyser can produce 200 Nm3/Hr of hydrogen. It is equipped with two stacks and an Electrolyser Processing Unit (EPU) ML-400, which is indigenously manufactured and assembled, adhering to the latest international standards, and offers exceptional flexibility and thermal stability. The electrolyser will now undergo rigorous testing in the coming weeks to optimise its performance, and in turn, paving the way for full-fledged manufacturing of electrolysers.

Press release https://shorturl.at/dKLU1

Plug announced its financial and operational results for the quarter and fiscal year 2023 

Plug Power Inc., a global leader in comprehensive hydrogen solutions for the green hydrogen economy announced its financial results and operational milestones for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. The сompany achieved revenue of $891 million for the year ended December 31, 2023, which is a record and reflects a 27% growth over the prior year. The successful commissioning and operational status of the Georgia hydrogen plant, which currently operates the largest PEM electrolyzer system in the United States is among commercial milestones. 

Describe more in press release https://shorturl.at/GOQ01

BMW has installed fuel-flexible burners that can run on hydrogen at its Leipzig plant

The burner technology used to dry the paint on contrast roofs was  converted for the start of MINI Countryman production and now consists of a bivalent system, the BMW announced in press release, dedicated to the launch of the new assembly line of the all-electric version at the Leipzig plant.  The fuel-flexible burners can run on hydrogen (H2) as well as gas (methane, CH4) and even switch between the two while in operation, the BMW stated. Five such bivalent hydrogen-capable burners are used to produce the contrast roofs for the MINI Countryman.

Further burners in the paintshop will also gradually switch to bivalent operations, with the next six hydrogen-capable burners just installed. This makes Leipzig a pioneer in the automotive industry and takes it ever closer to lower CO2 emissions. “Our vision at Plant Leipzig is to decarbonise production as far as possible by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen,” said Petra Peterhänsel, explaining the long-term focus of the facility. This will require sufficient green hydrogen from a grid. A regional hydrogen grid is currently in planning, with Plant Leipzig set to benefit.

Press release https://shorturl.at/dnDJ9

Yara and ACME signed a binding agreement for supply of green ammonia

Yara, a leading Norwegian crop nutrition company and a global leader in ammonia trade and shipping, and GHC SAOC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Acme Cleantech, a leading renewable energy company in India,  signed a firm and binding agreement for supply of ammonia with reduced CO2 emissions from Acme to Yara on a long-term basis.

The long-term offtake agreement between Yara and Acme covers the supply of 100 000 tons per annum of renewable ammonia and possibly the world’s first arm’s length contract for renewable ammonia of this scale and tenure. Over its life cycle, the project will help reduce global GHG emissions by up to 5.0 million tons of CO2 equivalents. In the base case, the renewable ammonia will be supplied by Acme from Phase-1 of its Oman project with an expected start date in 2027 and will comply with the EU RFBNO and Renewable Energy Directive requirements.

Press release https://shorturl.at/ahlqz

Chevron announces its first solar-to-hydrogen production project in california’s Central Valley

Chevron New Energies, a division of Chevron U.S.A. Inc., announced it is developing a 5-megawatt hydrogen production project in California’s Central Valley.

The project aims to create lower carbon energy by utilizing solar power, land, and non-potable produced water from Chevron’s existing assets at the Lost Hills Oil Field in Kern County. This low carbon intensity (LCI) electrolytic hydrogen will be produced through electrolysis, which is the process of using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Press release https://shorturl.at/jkvK3

SK E&S, KD Transportation Group and Hyundai to convert 1,000 buses to hydrogen power

SK E&S has joined forces with KD Transportation Group and Hyundai Motor Company to convert 1,000 internal combustion engine buses operating in the Seoul metropolitan area to environmentally friendly hydrogen buses.

SK E&S announced that it has signed a business agreement with KD Transportation Group and Hyundai Motor Company to “establish an ecosystem for environmentally friendly hydrogen mobility in the capital region.”

Under the agreement, KD Transportation Group will convert a total of 1,000 city, intercity and airport buses to hydrogen by 2027, starting with 100 buses this year, and will also provide depots in the Capital Region as sites for the construction of liquefied hydrogen fuelling stations. SK E&S will build at least six liquid hydrogen refuelling stations at KD Transportation Group’s depots in the Seoul metropolitan area and play a role in ensuring a steady supply of liquid hydrogen.SK E&S plans to produce up to 30,000 tonnes of liquid hydrogen per year from the first half of this year at its liquefied hydrogen plant in Wonchan-dong, Incheon.

Press release https://media.skens.com/6770

ZTE has implemented methanol-powered hydrogen fuel cells in the energy supply systems of Telefónica Germany

ZTE Corporation announced that it has achieved a significant milestone by successfully implementing a zero-carbon energy solution that supplies a telecom site of Telefónica Germany. This groundbreaking project utilizes ZTE’s innovative green power solution that combines solar energy, methanol-powered hydrogen fuel cells, and intelligent energy storage.

The collaboration between ZTE and Telefónica Germany marks the first commercial deployment of such a green solution in Germany. For network operation, Telefónica Germany uses technology from one of its national network suppliers.

The proposed solution from ZTE solves multiple challenges by combining solar power with methanol-powered hydrogen fuel cells. By relying primarily on solar energy and supplementing with hydrogen fuel cells during winter, the solution achieves 100% power availability, ensuring uninterrupted energy supply for the telecom site.

Press release https://shorturl.at/ejH24

Toyota Australia announces the delivery of its first locally-assembled hydrogen generator to Thiess 

Toyota Australia announced the delivery of its first locally-assembled hydrogen generator to mining services leader Thiess. 

Thiess is set to be the first customer for the locally-assembled EODev GEH2® hydrogen fuel cell stationary power generator, a product developed by French firm EODev using Toyota’s cutting-edge fuel cell technology. With the support of company’s valued partners Toyota Australia assembled the first unit at its  Altona production facility in Victoria and is aiming to finish a further 27 this year.

Press release https://shorturl.at/gklAY

Wallenius Wilhelmsen declares options for four additional ammonia-ready  vessels

Wallenius Wilhelmsen has declared options to build four additional next-generation Shaper Class pure car and truck carrier (PCTC) vessels, the company announced.

The 9,300 CEU methanol dual fuel vessels can utilize alternative fuel sources, such as methanol, upon delivery. They will also be ammonia-ready and able to be converted as soon as ammonia becomes available in a safe and secure way. These next generation vessels will play a key role in the introduction of Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s net zero emissions end-to-end service by 2027. 

The first of the Shaper Class vessels already ordered are expected to be delivered in the second half of 2026. The four additional vessels under the declared options will be delivered between May and November 2027.

Press release https://shorturl.at/mntxD

Honda Reveals 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV – America’s First Production Plug-in Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle

Honda  revealed America’s first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, the 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, the company announced.

A fun-to-drive compact CUV that received a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, CR-V e:FCEV combines an all-new U.S.-made fuel cell system along with plug-in charging capability designed to provide up to 29 miles2 of EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips.

“Leveraging Honda fuel cell technology expertise continues to play a critical role in our global goal to achieve carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities by 2050,” said Mamadou Diallo, senior vice president of Auto Sales, American Honda Motor Co. “Honda has laid out an electrification strategy leading to 100% zero-emission automobile sales by 2040, including the introduction of both battery-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles like this new CR-V e:FCEV model.”

The 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV will be available for customer leasing in California beginning later this year.

Press release https://shorturl.at/dtxV4

Ceres and AtkinsRealis to design modularised green hydrogen production system

Global leader in clean energy technology, Ceres, has joined forces with AtkinsRealis, a world-leading design, engineering and project management organisation, to deliver the front-end engineering design (FEED) for a commercial multi-megawatt modularised hydrogen production system based on Ceres’ robust, low-cost and highly efficient solid oxide technology.

Solid oxide electrolysis (‘SOEC’) provides a route to generate green hydrogen over 25% more efficiently than incumbent lower temperature technology. Ceres and AtkinsRealis’ collaboration aims to create a blueprint of the optimum system architecture for a 100MW+ electrolyser system to produce green hydrogen, as a building block for gigawatt-scale plants.

The team will be sharing their insights at the Institute of Mechanical Engineering’s ‘Engineering Challenges in the Hydrogen Economy’ conference on 6 March to present the case for solid oxide electrolysis in industrial decarbonisation and discuss the technology, the economics and the compatibility with industrial use cases.

Press release https://shorturl.at/gjqDV

Universal Hydrogen  Powers Megawatt-Class Fuel Cell Powertrain Using Company’s Proprietary Liquid Hydrogen Module

Universal Hydrogen Co.,announced it has successfully run a megawatt-class fuel cell powertrain using its proprietary liquid hydrogen module to supply the fuel. “This is the largest fuel cell powertrain ever to run on liquid hydrogen,” said Mark Cousin, the company’s president & CTO, “making it another in a series of ‘firsts’ for Universal Hydrogen.” The liquid hydrogen module powered the company’s “iron bird” ground test rig for over 1 hour and 40 minutes, simulating a regional aircraft flight profile. The iron bird is a functional analogue of the powertrain that Universal Hydrogen has been flight testing since March 2023. The company’s liquid hydrogen module holds fuel to power the iron bird for over three hours at full power, with two such modules sufficient for 500 nautical miles of usable range (on top of reserves) for an ATR72 regional airliner. This demonstration, conducted at the Mojave Air & Space Port, is the first time the company’s module and powertrain have been integrated together, marking another significant accomplishment on the path toward entry into passenger service planned for 2026.

Press release https://shorturl.at/BQ156

HIVE HYDROGEN AND GENESIS ECO-ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS SIGN AGREEMENT FOR $5.8BN AMMONIA PLANT

Hive Hydrogen South Africa has signed an agreement with Genesis Eco-Energy to implement 395MW of wind power in the Western Cape, to support the development of its Green Ammonia project at Coega in the Eastern Cape.

Hive Hydrogen’s $5,8bn green ammonia hub, which is a flagship investment project in South Africa, will bring a significant economic boost to the country and critically for the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces. The project has been tabled at the Presidential Investment Summit in Sandton, South Africa, and awarded Strategic Integrated Project Status by the Ministry of Public Works in November 2022.

A total of 3,480MW’s of power will be generated to supply the plant and will bring much needed investment to the transmission network. The project development will also enable other IPPs in the Beaufort West region to connect their power generation assets to the grid which will reduce load shedding.

“The Hive Green Ammonia project will incorporate our large-scale wind farms to deliver significant benefits to the Eastern Cape province, creating large numbers of jobs in a struggling economy. We are thrilled to be part of delivering this energy solution.” said Davin Chown, Genesis MD.

Press release https://shorturl.at/dKNWZ

Hydrogen-powered XCIENT fuel cell truck to be used between Hyundai’s manufacturing facilities in USA

Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) revealed that the official start of production has accelerated to the fourth quarter of 2024 with the grand opening celebration targeted for the first quarter of 2025. It was previously announced that production would begin in the first quarter of 2025.

Hyundai and Genesis electric vehicles, including the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, GV60, and Electrified GV70, along with the hydrogen-powered XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck, to be used for logistics needs between Hyundai’s manufacturing facilities and suppliers, were on display outside of the State Capitol.

Press release https://shorturl.at/DELR8

PowerCell joined EU project H2Marine, developing the most powerful marine fuel cells 

PowerCell is now a member of H2Marine, an EU project spanning 42 months aimed at developing innovative hydrogen solutions with a focus on the development and testing of fuel cells specifically for marine applications, the company announced. 

The project entails a comprehensive process of design, development, testing, and distribution of PEM fuel cell stacks that generate 250-300 kW of electricity.

The project officially commenced in January 2024, with the consortium’s 13 members comprising companies and research institutes coordinated by CERTH (The Centre for Research & Technology-Hellas). The total funding amounting to 7.5 million euros is provided by the European Commission under the Horizon Europe framework within the Clean Hydrogen Partnership, co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI).

The goal is to further develop fuel cell technology optimized for the harsh climate of marine installations.

Press release https://shorturl.at/etHQ7

Axpo and SGV plan hydrogen passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne

Axpo is participating in the H2Uri company in Bürglen, central Switzerland. The regionally produced hydrogen will be used to power a passenger vessel on nearby Lake Lucerne, operated by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV) AG, the Axpo announced. In addition to Axpo and SGV, EWA-energieUri and AVIA Schätzle are also involved in the project. 

Axpo continues to actively promote the development of the hydrogen economy in Switzerland, with the country’s largest green hydrogen plant at the Reichenau hydropower plant in Domat/Ems near completion. Now another plant is to follow at Bürglen in the Swiss canton of Uri, with hydrogen production expected to commence in 2025. Among other benefits, the plant’s production will be used to power the first hydrogen passenger vessel on Lake Lucerne. 

Press release https://shorturl.at/ceLY8

Wrightbus has secured another major European order for its hydrogen single deck bus

German transport company Saarbahn GmbH has ordered 28 Kite Hydroliners with the first due to be delivered this year, the WrightBus announced.

Together with Saarbahn Netz GmbH, Saarbahn GmbH employs around 580 people and transports around 43.7 million passengers by road and rail every year.

The order is another significant deal for Wrightbus in the European market, following orders in Germany from West Verkehr, which will receive 12 single-deck Kite Hydroliners, and Regionalverkehr Köln GmbH (RVK), which has signed a contract for up to 60 Kite Hydroliners.

Further contracts for 51 buses from two additional customers have already been signed in 2024.

Press release https://shorturl.at/FGJ67

Westport to test  it’s fuel system on methanol derived from hydrogen for marine applications

Westport Fuel Systems Inc. announced a proof-of-concept project with a leading global supplier of power solutions for marine applications to test Westport’s High Pressure Direct Injection (“HPDI”) fuel system utilizing methanol for marine applications . The project, expected to start in the first quarter of 2024, will be fully funded by the OEM, and is planned to run for approximately nine months.

The project marks the potential application of the HPDI fuel system for use with marine applications, serving as an initial proof-of-concept project utilizing methanol. It also signifies the possibility of an expansion of Westport’s HPDI fuel system beyond the LNG applications commercially available now and the hydrogen applications demonstrated to-date. Using renewable or carbon neutral methanol derived from green or blue hydrogen, Westport is confident this alternative fuel approach offers an economical and efficient pathway to decarbonize the sector without compromising performance.

Press release https://shorturl.at/cenyS

Euronav ordered 2 bitumen tankers that can be retrofitted for operation on ammonia

Euronav NV announced that it has concluded an order for two bitumen tankers with China Merchants Jinling Shipyard (Yangzhou) Dingheng Co. (Yangzhou, China). The vessels are expected to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2026 and have been chartered to a strong counterparty for 10 years upon delivery from the shipyard.

The vessels will have dual-fuel green methanol engines that are ready to be retrofitted for future operation on ammonia. 

Euronav & CMB.TECH are committed to become the reference in sustainable shipping by focusing on diversification, optimisation & decarbonisation.

The group also announced two time charter contracts with Valero in December 2023. Earlier this year, CMB.TECH & Euronav announced the construction of the world’s first ammonia-fuelled container ship in partnership with NCL and Yara. With the addition of the charters for the two new bitumen tanker charters, the total contract backlog of Euronav amounts to 1,975 million USD.

Press release https://shorturl.at/hnpMN

Hong Kong’s First Hydrogen Bus Hits the Streets

Hong Kong’s public transportation landscape undergoes a revolutionary transformation with the deployment to service of a cutting-edge zero- emission hydrogen, the CityBus announced on 25 February. The first-ever hydrogen double deck bus has commenced service on  Route 20, marking a remarkable achievement and the next step in the transition of Hong Kong’s rich transport history as it takes to the road with customers on board, following previous debut of Hong Kong’s first ever electric double deck bus two years ago. 

Press release https://shorturl.at/ckqtN

Big players sign on to South Australia’s clean hydrogen future

South Australia’s first large-scale clean hydrogen production precinct, the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub, has taken a major step with five major companies signing Development Agreements to use the facility.

Located near Whyalla in the Upper Spencer Gulf, the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub is a common user facility for the production and export of hydrogen, and an integral part of South Australia’s first-mover strategy to enter the global hydrogen market.

With progress accelerating at the Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub and preparations underway on the $593 million State Government-funded Hydrogen Jobs Plan, South Australia is ideally positioned to become a world-class low-cost hydrogen leader.

In a significant step forward for the project, the Government of South Australia has signed Development Agreements with five distinguished Port Bonython Hydrogen Hub project partners:

* Amp Energy

* Fortescue Energy

* The Hydrogen Utility (H2U)

* Origin Energy

* Santos

Describe more in press release https://shorturl.at/kruRW

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