Study of the state of the art of green hydrogen storage in solid supports for the development of a technological solution.

Desired outcome

Analysis of existing technologies for hydrogen storage in solid supports, assessment of the technological maturity level of these technologies, and selection of those with the greatest potential.
Identification of national and international companies working in these technologies, as well as universities and research centres, if possible.
Comparative evaluation of hydrogen storage technologies in solid supports, compared to other existing storage technologies such as compressed hydrogen, liquefied hydrogen, and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC).
Study of the product's value chain. That is, what materials are needed for the manufacturing of these technologies, which company/companies can provide those materials, which company/companies can manufacture the product...

Initial Problem Description

Green hydrogen, globally recognized as a crucial energy vector due to its wide range of options for application in different end uses, across multiple sectors, faces significant challenges in its transportation and storage. These challenges stem from its high volatility and low energy density per unit of volume, requiring advanced and costly solutions for its safe and efficient handling. This situation underscores the urgent need to develop innovative technologies that improve the viability and accessibility of green hydrogen, ensuring its vital role in the energy transition.

Context

Currently, hydrogen storage can be approached through various technologies (examples include compressed hydrogen, liquefied hydrogen, liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHC), and solid supports), each characterized by a set of advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, compressed hydrogen and liquefied hydrogen (LH2) are the most used technologies. Due to the high pressures and low temperatures required, respectively, both storage options have very high safety requirements. Moreover, hydrogen, after its production, must be prepared to be appropriately stored in these systems, often involving high additional energy consumption. On the other hand, LOHCs are based on reversible cycles of hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of organic molecules. This technology presents multiple advantages: high hydrogen content; high reversibility; and in a liquid state at room temperature, they have properties similar to petroleum derivatives, allowing for economical, safe, and easy handling. Additionally, they can facilitate hydrogen storage for long periods without leakage. However, the technology is still in low development stages.

We are interested in knowing the state of the art of hydrogen storage technologies in solid supports, the technological maturity level of existing technologies, and which ones present greater potential; which companies, universities, and research centres are working on these technologies, as well as the advantages and disadvantages these technologies have compared to other hydrogen storage alternatives.

Lastly, we would like to understand the value chain of these technologies, the product's value chain. That is, what materials are needed for the manufacturing of these technologies, which company/companies can provide those materials, which company/companies can manufacture the product, etc.

Connection to cross-cutting areas

General sustainability: the project aims to identify new innovative technologies focused on the storage of green hydrogen, a key energy vector in decarbonisation and energy transition.
Potentially, the project could also be related to the area of circularity, in the case that the technologies for solid supports for hydrogen storage can be used multiple times. This is something, we hope it will answered with the study.

Input

We have a general idea of the existence of hydrogen storage technologies, some of that information has been shared in the previous texts. We will be happy to share more details if required once we meet. These could be our initial scenarios to start from. We will be happy to discuss them in the kick off meeting and provide further information if required.

Expectations

We expect the team can provide an overview of the state of the art of existing technologies on hydrogen storage in solid supports, and help us to understand whether it can be a technology to consider for our projects/business,
It would be great if they can explain to us in an easy language, how these technologies work, and what are they formed of. A final report and a presentation explaining the findings would be expected.

Apart from the solution they deliver, we expect that the team enjoys researching these new technologies, and gains knowledge that finds useful for their professional development.

Desired Team Profile

Given the technicality of the project, an engineering background in chemistry/renewable energy/renewable technologies would be preferable.
Happy to have students from different nationalities and universities.
A team passionate about the energy transition and with curiosity to learn about new technologies.

Additional Information

Documents related to hydrogen strategy, storage strategy, information and explanations on technologies for storage that we already know about, opportunities and barriers. Information about Exolum and its strategy, as well as explanation on why we are interested in these technologies and where we hope to see the company in the next decades.

Related Keywords

• Industrial manufacturing, Material and Transport Technologies
• Energy Technology
• Sustainability