Steamhydrogen

Steamhydrogen refers to hydrogen produced using steam methane reforming (SMR). This is currently the most common method for producing hydrogen globally, accounting for a significant majority of the world's hydrogen supply. The process involves reacting natural gas, primarily methane, with steam at high temperatures, typically between 700 and 1000 degrees Celsius. This reaction, often catalyzed by nickel, produces hydrogen and carbon monoxide. A subsequent water-gas shift reaction converts the carbon monoxide into additional hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The resulting mixture is then purified to isolate the hydrogen.

The primary advantage of steamhydrogen is its cost-effectiveness due to the widespread availability and relatively low price of natural gas. However, a major drawback is that the process releases substantial amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere. This makes steamhydrogen a carbon-intensive method of production, often referred to as "grey hydrogen." Efforts are underway to mitigate these emissions, leading to the development of "blue hydrogen," where the captured carbon dioxide is stored underground. Despite its environmental impact, steamhydrogen remains the dominant source of hydrogen for various industrial applications, including petroleum refining, ammonia production for fertilizers, and in the chemical industry.