By Rajesh Madnani
As the world transitions towards sustainable energy sources, the concept of green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution.Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water, using renewable electricity. Production of green hydrogen causes significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, limit global warming to 1.5 °C, reduce fossil fuel dependence& help to combat climate change. Green hydrogen can be produced from domestic resources, such as solar and wind power. This can help to reduce dependence on foreign oil& increased energy security.Hydrogen fuel cells produce only water vapor as a byproduct, which can help to improve air quality.
Here are some of the key areas of green hydrogen research:
Improving the efficiency of electrolyzers: Electrolyzers are still relatively expensive toproduce and operate. Researchers are working on developing new materials and
designs to improve their efficiency and reduce costs.
Developing new methods for hydrogen storage and transportation: Hydrogen gas isdifficult to store and transport in large quantities. Researchers are exploring newmethods, such as storing hydrogen in chemical compounds or underground caverns.
Finding new uses for green hydrogen: Green hydrogen can be used in a variety ofapplications, including transportation, power generation, and industrial processes.Researchers are developing new technologies to make it more cost-effective to usehydrogen in these applications.
Green hydrogen research is a promising field with the potential to play a major role in the transition to a clean energy economy.Welding plays a critical role in the green hydrogen revolution by ensuring the safe and secure construction& maintenance of essential infrastructure components required for hydrogen production, storage and transportation.
1. Building Electrolyzers: Electrolyzers are the devices that use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Welding is crucial in assembling these electrolyzers, particularly for:
Pressure Vessels: These vessels hold the hydrogen gas under high pressure. Strong, high-quality welds are essential to prevent leaks and ensure safety.
Flow Plates: These are the heart of the electrolyzers, where the watersplitting reaction occurs. They require precise and leak-proof welds to function efficiently.
2. Hydrogen Transportation Pipelines: Transporting hydrogen over long distances often relies on pipelines. Welding is vital for:
Pipe Fabrication: Seamless welds ensure the pipeline’s structural integrity and prevent leaks during hydrogen transportation.
Pipeline Installation: Joining long pipeline sections requires strong and reliable welds to create a continuous and leak-proof network.
3. Hydrogen Storage Tanks: Storing hydrogen safely requires robust and leak-proof containers. Welding is essential for:
Tank Construction: Similar to pressure vessels in electrolyzers, storage tanks need high-quality welds to withstand the pressure of compressed hydrogen.
Material Compatibility: Welding needs to be compatible with the specific materialsused in hydrogen storage tanks, which can be different from traditional pipelines.
Overall, welding underpins the green hydrogen revolution by ensuring the secure and efficient construction of the infrastructure required for hydrogen production, transportation, and storage.
However, welding for green hydrogen faces challenges related to material compatibility, hydrogen embrittlement, and corrosion resistance in high-pressure and variable-temperature environments.
Recent research &developments in welding processes and enhanced weldability of novel materials have shown promise to elevate the performance and longevity of componentsessential for green hydrogen technology. As the hydrogen economy grows, the demand for skilled welders who can work with these specialized materials and techniques is expected to rise.Robotic welding automation is anticipated to play a pivotal role in streamlining manufacturing processes, reducing human error, and ensuring precise and consistent weld quality for green hydrogen applications.
Welding’s significance in the green hydrogen revolution cannot be overstated. As the industry continues to evolve, welding will remain at the forefront, driving innovation, overcoming challenges, and enabling the widespread adoption of green hydrogen as a sustainable and clean energy solution for the future.
