HYDROGEN POWER GENERATION

Hydrogen power generation uses hydrogen to create electricity through fuel cells or turbines, producing water and heat as byproducts. Hydrogen can be produced from various sources like natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power. While some methods produce carbon dioxide, using green hydrogen from renewables viaelectrolysis  offers a zero-emission option. 

How it works 

• Fuel cells: Hydrogen and oxygen combine in a fuel cell through a chemical reaction that generates electricity, heat, and water. The process is clean and efficient, with water as the only byproduct when using “green” hydrogen.
• Turbines: Existing gas turbines can be adapted to run on hydrogen or a hydrogen-natural gas blend. Some new turbines are being designed to operate on 100% hydrogen. 

Production methods 

• Thermochemical water splitting: High temperatures from solar concentrators or nuclear reactors split water.
• Photoelectrochemical water splitting: Special semiconductors use sunlight to split water.
• Photobiological water splitting: Microbes like algae use sunlight to produce hydrogen. 

Key advantages 

• Zero emissions: Using green hydrogen results in zero carbon dioxide emissions during power generation, which improves air quality.
• Energy storage: Hydrogen can store excess energy from intermittent renewable sources like wind and solar power. Instead of curtailing production during high output, the extra electricity can be used for electrolysis to create hydrogen for later use.

Flexibility: Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells or turbines and is suitable for various applications, from large power plants to backup generators.