With plasmalysis on the future: hydrogen production without CO₂!

With plasmalysis on the future: hydrogen production without CO₂!

Greifswald, Deutschland - What is happening in German hydrogen research? A new approach could decisively advance the energy transition. The East German procedure of plasmalysis for hydrogen production shows promising results and could revolutionize the energy requirement in this country. Researcher at Leibniz Institute for Plasma Research and Technology (inp) Work on this innovative method that Methane split in hydrogen and solid carbon. With an energy consumption of only around 12 kWh per kilogram of hydrogen, the plasmalysis requires significantly less electricity than conventional electrolysis methods that currently consume between 40 and 80 kWh.

But plasysis has even more to offer: this procedure does not create CO₂ emissions, and the solid carbon that arises as a by-product can be used in different industries. The procedure that is ideally operated with climate -neutral methane from biogas could serve as the key to climate -neutral energy supply and industry. In addition, it could offer the possibility to produce hydrogen directly on board ships, which would significantly make it easier to transport fuels.

different procedures, a goal

hydrogen is considered key technology for decarbonization in the areas of industry, transport and energy supply. There are various methods for hydrogen production, such as the steam reformation of natural gas, electrolysis of water and thermochemical processes. Plasmalysis in particular has the potential to act as an environmentally friendly alternative, since it is not only more energy-efficient compared to traditional processes such as steam reformation, but also does not cause harmful CO₂ emissions. Instead, she relies on renewable raw materials and protects the environment considerably. emphasizes that plasma procedures are very popular with both manufacturing and efficiency.

Currently in Germany a lot of 55 to 60 terawatt hours of hydrogen are required annually, with the majority of which are gray hydrogen whose production is environmentally harmful. The federal government has set itself the goal of replacing green hydrogen between 40 and 75 terawatt hours by 2030. The research project for plasmalysis receives strong 4 million euros in funding from EU funds from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, such as the Merkur reported.

potential and challenges

However, the challenge lies in the quick and effective implementation of new technologies. According to a study by the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, less than 10 % of the announced projects for the production of green hydrogen were realized in 2023. With regard to the future, it remains to be seen how market conditions and political decisions will develop. Federal Minister of Economics Katherine Reiche pursues a technology -open approach in energy policy to enable maximum progress.

Another remarkable detail concerns the planned projects in the hydrogen area: Companies are currently planning a total output of 11.3 GW, which even exceeds the aim of the national hydrogen strategy of 10 GW. With the right political will, the course could be set for sustainable and efficient hydrogen production, which not only serves the climate goals, but also promotes economic growth. This is how Graforce from Berlin on corresponding technologies that enable cost-effective and energy-efficient hydrogen production.