Future Fuel - Hydrogen

As part of our decarbonisation strategy Aggreko aims to reduce the amount of diesel fuel in our fleet by at least 50%. To achieve this, we are investing in new technology and the testing of new fuels as part of our greener upgrades initiative.

Hydrogen is commonly referred to as a future fuel as it doesn’t produce carbon when burned but how viable is it as an option? Our quick guide tells you all you need to know.

What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a light colourless, odourless flammable gas. It is the most abundant element in the universe however it doesn’t naturally occur in its pure state and has to be separated from carbon and oxygen.

How is hydrogen produced?

95% of the hydrogen produced today is made via a reforming process. In this you take a hydrocarbon such as natural gas or coal and put into a reactor at high pressure and temperature with steam to split the hydrogen.

An alternative way to produce it is using electrolysis. In this instance you take water and pass electricity through it to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method can be better for the environment especially if you use green electricity as this would negate carbon footprint.

How can hydrogen be used for power generation?

Hydrogen is more like an energy carrier or vector than it is a fuel.  There are two principal ways it can used for power generation.

1. By using the combustion process, take hydrogen and oxygen and combust in engine
2. By using the electrochemical process, take hydrogen and oxygen and put it in a fuel cell

How is hydrogen stored and transported?

At present, it isn’t easy to store or transport hydrogen. It is a very light gas and a very small molecule. To transport it, it has to be made dense which can be done either by increasing its pressure but keeping it as a gas or converting it to a liquid which is achieved by cooling it down to -253 degrees centigrade. Special vessels would be required for transporting the gas.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen?

Pros

• It is carbon free energy carrier
• It is non-toxic
• There are multiple ways of making it

Cons

• Limited availability
• Not very convenient to ship or transport
• More expensive to store and transport than conventional fuels
• Hydrogen is highly flammable to lots of precautions are required with handling

How is Aggreko using hydrogen?

In June 2021, Aggreko undertook its first pilot project of a 50kVA hydrogen combustion power generation unit at its depot in Moerdijk, Netherlands. We are now investing in a further 10 units that will be ready for customer installations in Europe over the course of the year.

In addition, we are testing a 20kW hydrogen fuel cell which will run alongside our battery energy storage system. Testing on this will continue into the new year.

You can find our more about our fuels by downloading our brochure here.