LOHCs in Action: Real-World Applications and Case Studies – EnergyPortal.eu

LOHCs in Action: Real-World Applications and Case Studies

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) have emerged as a promising solution to the challenges of storing and transporting hydrogen for use in various applications. These compounds can safely and efficiently store hydrogen, enabling its release when needed for energy production or other uses. In recent years, several real-world applications and case studies have demonstrated the potential of LOHCs to revolutionize the hydrogen economy and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.

One of the most significant real-world applications of LOHCs is in the field of renewable energy storage. As the world increasingly relies on intermittent sources of energy, such as solar and wind power, the need for efficient and scalable energy storage solutions becomes more critical. LOHCs can store excess energy generated during periods of high renewable energy production and release it when needed, helping to balance the grid and reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. In Germany, a project called “H2-Share” is currently underway, which aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using LOHCs for storing and distributing hydrogen produced from renewable sources. The project involves the construction of a mobile hydrogen refueling station that uses LOHCs to store and transport hydrogen, which can then be used to power fuel cell vehicles.

Another exciting application of LOHCs is in the transportation sector, where they can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Hydrogen-powered vehicles, such as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), produce zero tailpipe emissions and have the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of transportation. However, the widespread adoption of FCEVs has been hindered by the challenges associated with hydrogen storage and distribution. LOHCs can help to overcome these challenges by providing a safe and efficient means of storing and transporting hydrogen, making it more accessible for use in FCEVs. In Japan, a company called Chiyoda Corporation has developed a technology called “SPERA Hydrogen” that uses LOHCs to store and transport hydrogen for use in fuel cell vehicles. The company has successfully demonstrated the technology in a pilot project involving the transport of hydrogen from Brunei to Japan, highlighting the potential of LOHCs to facilitate the global trade of hydrogen.

In addition to renewable energy storage and transportation, LOHCs have also been explored for their potential applications in industrial processes. One such example is the use of LOHCs in the steel industry, where hydrogen can be used as a reducing agent to replace carbon, thereby reducing CO2 emissions. A German steel producer, Salzgitter AG, has partnered with a research institute, Fraunhofer UMSICHT, to develop a process that uses LOHCs to store and transport hydrogen for use in steel production. The project, called “GrInHy2.0,” aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using LOHCs in industrial processes and pave the way for the decarbonization of the steel industry.

Finally, LOHCs have also been investigated for their potential use in remote and off-grid applications, where access to reliable energy sources is limited. For example, LOHCs could be used to store and transport hydrogen produced from renewable sources in remote locations, providing a clean and reliable source of energy for communities that are not connected to the grid. This application has been explored in a project called “Remote Area Energy Supply with Hydrogen” (RAEHy), which aims to develop a system that uses LOHCs to store and transport hydrogen for use in remote areas.

In conclusion, LOHCs have demonstrated their potential to revolutionize the hydrogen economy and contribute to a more sustainable energy future through various real-world applications and case studies. As research and development in this field continue to advance, it is likely that we will see even more innovative uses of LOHCs in the coming years, helping to unlock the full potential of hydrogen as a clean and abundant energy source.