Converting Solar Energy into Clean Hydrogen
More and more companies are investing in hydrogen, a gas with multiple functions.
Innovation in Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen requires water and electricity for its production. The electricity separates the water molecule into two parts, with hydrogen on one side and oxygen, which is released into the atmosphere on the other. The exploitation of water in the air to produce hydrogen is the innovation of the Belgian researchers.
“The air contains water. The air enters our panel. At the same time, solar energy arrives on our solar panel and transforms the water in the air into hydrogen which comes out on the side.” – Tom Bosserez, a bioengineer at the University of Leuven in Belgium.
Significant Benefits
This new process has considerable advantages.
First of all, it is usable in arid regions of the world where there is a lack of water, even in the desert, as the new discovery allows the production of hydrogen from the water vapor present in the air.
It is stored in pressurized containers similar to the methods for storing natural gas. Thus, it can be easily stored on a long-term basis without any loss. Moreover, it does not produce any greenhouse gases during its use or combustion but allows water to be returned to the environment. Therefore, it reduces CO2 emissions and global warming.
Hydrogen can also be efficiently transported in existing natural gas infrastructures. Financially accessible to all, this hydrogen production mechanism does not require noble metals or expensive materials. By 2050, hydrogen is expected to be one of the world’s major energy carriers. It can be converted into electricity and/or heat for various applications.
Photos Credits: Freepik
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