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Ready to ShipThe hydrogen available for purchase is categorized into types. Each type differs on production methods, impact on the environment, and potential uses.
Grey hydrogen
This hydrogen is produced by extracting hydrogen from methane and other fossil gases. The process, known as steam methane reformation (SMR), emits large amounts of carbon emissions. Gears hydrogen currently is the cheapest hydrogen fuel on the market. It mainly serves industrial sectors as a chemical feedstock.
Blue hydrogen
Blue hydrogen’ operates just like grey hydrogen. However, the only difference is that while grey hydrogen emits carbon substances to the atmosphere, blue hydrogen captures and stores some of the carbon dioxide emissions. This mitigation of carbon emissions is what gives blue hydrogen its blue title. It serves almost similar functions as grey hydrogen.
White hydrogen
Hydrogen exists naturally underground in fossilized deposits and salt cavern. It requires minimal or no extraction process. This makes white hydrogen the cleanest hydrogen. Currently, there is insufficient information on the potential uses and economics of white hydrogen because it is still at the testing stage.
Brown or pink hydrogen
Brown hydrogen is produced through the gasification of coal, which is known as the coal gas process. This method is very carbon intensive. Because of the high carbon emissions associated with coal gas, brown hydrogen's use is highly restricted. It only exists in small-scale use such as in reducing agents in steel production.
Green hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis process. The process uses renewable energy sources, for instance, wind and solar power. This makes green hydrogen a very sustainable option. Although it is currently one of the most expensive ways to produce hydrogen, the costs are projected to decline as technologies develop. This hydrogen helps decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors such as steel and cement manufacturing.
Brown hydrogen
Brown hydrogen is produced through the thermochemical water splitting process. This process involves heating chemically active metal oxides to high temperatures using concentrated solar power to extract hydrogen from water. This method offers a low carbon extraction method compared to hydrogen extraction methods like coal gasification.
Hydrogen as a reducing agent
Hydrogen is an essential reducing agent in the metallurgical process. It helps in the reduction of iron ores to iron in the steel production process. Currently, most of the steel companies in major countries such as the UK have begun transitioning from coking coal to hydrogen to reduce their carbon emissions and produce greener steel<.
Ammonia production
Hydrogen is an essential element in the ammonia production process. Ammonia is mainly used in fertilizer manufacturing. Today, many companies are adopting green hydrogen in ammonia production. This helps reduce the carbon emissions generated from using fossil fuels.
Hydrogenation process
Hydrogen is used to convert unsaturated fats and oils into saturated fats. It increases the stability and shelf life of food products. In the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, hydrogen is used in the synthesis of various chemical compounds. Hydrogen is also used for hydrotreating in oil refining. This process removes impurities such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds. All these traditional hydrogen applications are gradually shifting to cleaner hydrogen types. This is to align with the sustainability goals and regulations.
Decarbonization
Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier. It is used to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like steel and cement manufacturing. It can also be used in transportation and heat generation.
Energy storage
Excess hydrogen production can be converted to ammonia. Ammonia can be exported, transported, or stored relatively easily. This makes ammonia a hydrogen carrier of choice for regions that lack infrastructure. The hydrogen stored in ammonia can later be extracted and utilized when needed.
Transportation
Hydrogen is currently being adopted as a clean alternative to diesel in heavy-duty transport. It is used in fuel cell trucks, trains, ships, and buses. Hydrogen powered trains are a great low-carbon alternative to diesel locomotives. Hydrogen also generates electricity on trains with only water as a byproduct. This helps reduce the carbon emissions generated by diesel.
Heat generation
Hydrogen can replace natural gas to generate low-carbon heat. It is ideal for industries like glass and cement that require high heat and cannot easily electrify. Hydrogen is also used in fuel cells to provide heating solutions to businesses and homeowners.
Electricity generation
Hydrogen can be used to generate power. Power generated can either be dispatched to the electricity grid or used to provide backup power to critical infrastructure. Hydrogen is currently being used in power plants to generate electricity. Although still early-stage, hydrogen can also be combined with carbon capture technology to produce low-cost electricity.
Hydrogen production method
One important factor to consider when buying hydrogen is the production method used. There are several methods of producing hydrogen, each with different environmental impacts. They include grey, blue, and green hydrogen. Green hydrogen has zero carbon emissions. So it is the most environmentally-friendly option. Grey hydrogen has high carbon emissions. It is the cheapest. Blue hydrogen has less carbon emissions. It is moderately priced. This means the production method affects the environmental impact and cost of the hydrogen.
Purity level
The purity level affects the performance and efficiency of the hydrogen application. For instance, fuel cells require high-purity hydrogen to function effectively. On the other hand, industrial processes may manage lower purity levels. Common impurities in hydrogen gas include nitrogen, methane, carbon monoxide, and helium. Each can negatively affect the efficiency of the process.
Transportation and storage
All businesses looking to buy hydrogen gas have to consider how the hydrogen will be transported and stored. This is to ensure the logistics don't negatively affect the overall cost. There are several options for storing hydrogen. They include tanks, pipelines, and adsorbent materials. Each storage option has different costs and efficiencies. Buyers also have to consider the distance their hydrogen will be transported. Longer distances are likely to incur high transportation costs.
Regulatory compliance
Hydrogen gas usually comes with various regulations and standards. Buyers must ensure they comply with these regulations. They include safety standards, emission limits, and reporting requirements. On the other hand, some government policies support hydrogen production and use. So buyers should also look out for potential subsidies or incentives.
Supplier reliability
Businesses should partner with reputable suppliers who prioritize sustainability and have a track record of reliable deliveries. A good relationship with a trustworthy supplier can ensure consistent hydrogen quality, availability, and adherence to delivery schedules. Buyers should conduct due diligence and ensure the supplier meets all quality and environmental certifications.
Hydrogen gas can be purchased in bulk by businesses that sell hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen-powered trains, and hydrogen refueling stations. Here are some tips for business owners to consider when buying hydrogen gas.
Hydrogen purity
Hydrogen gas usually comes in varying purity levels. Hydrogen purity required usually depends on the intended application. Fuel cells, for instance, require high-purity hydrogen of usually 99.97% or above. Ammonia production can manage lower purity levels. That's why business owners should ensure they buy hydrogen gas with the correct purity levels for their intended use.
Production method
Hydrogen gas is produced using varying methods. They include steam methane reformation, electrolyzer, and gasification of coal. Each production method has distinct carbon emission impacts. Buyers should look for hydrogen fuel that aligns with their sustainability goals. Green hydrogen, for instance, has zero carbon emissions. So it is ideal for buyers with sustainability goals.
Storage and transportation
Hydrogen gas is usually stored in tanks or pipelines. It is transported by road, rail, or through dedicated hydrogen pipelines. Each storage and transportation option has distinct costs and logistics. Business owners should consider the most efficient storage and transportation method for their hydrogen supply. For instance, if the hydrogen will be transported over long distances, then liquid hydrogen will be ideal.
Supplier reliability
Business owners should partner with reputable hydrogen suppliers that can consistently deliver high-quality hydrogen on time. They should evaluate the supplier's production capacity, distribution network, and adherence to safety regulations. These factors will determine the supplier's reliability. In cases where the supply may be affected by unforeseen circumstances, a reliable supplier will communicate early. This enables business owners to make alternative arrangements quickly.
Pricing
The cost of hydrogen gas will significantly impact the profitability of businesses. Buyers should take advantage of the different prices offered by suppliers. This will enable them to get the best deal. Also, they should consider the total cost of ownership. Sometimes the cheapest hydrogen gas price may not be ideal in the long run, especially if the delivery costs are high. So, it's essential to consider logistical costs when comparing prices. What they should mostly focus on is getting high-quality hydrogen fuel. Poor-quality hydrogen can negatively affect efficiency, carbon emissions, and customer satisfaction.
Hydrogen gas is mainly used to help reduce iron ores to iron in steel production. It is also used to synthesize ammonia and in the hydrogenation of fats and oils. In the renewable energy space, hydrogen is used to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like transportation, heat generation, and electricity production.
One benefit of buying hydrogen gas for resale is that it is a versatile energy carrier. Hydrogen can be used in various applications ranging from transportation to industrial processes. Furthermore, when it is generated using renewable energy, it provides a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. This is an ideal solution for businesses with customers who have sustainability objectives. Buying green hydrogen can help customers lower their carbon footprint.
Business owners should consider the purity level, production method, storage and transportation logistics, pricing, and supplier reliability when buying hydrogen gas.
Steam methane reformation is the most common method of producing hydrogen. The process extracts hydrogen from methane and other fossil gases.
