Vetyntuotannossa

Vetyntuotannossa, or hydrogen production, is a process that generates hydrogen gas through various methods. Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that can be used in fuel cells, combined with carbon to produce synthetic fuels, or burned directly. The primary methods of hydrogen production include:

1. Steam Methane Reforming (SMR): This is the most common method, where methane (natural gas) reacts with steam at high temperatures (700-1000°C) in the presence of a catalyst to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide. The carbon monoxide is then converted to carbon dioxide and more hydrogen in a water-gas shift reaction.

2. Electrolysis: Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. This method is considered clean as it produces no greenhouse gas emissions, but it is currently less efficient and more expensive than other methods.

3. Coal Gasification: Coal is reacted with steam and oxygen at high temperatures to produce a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide. This mixture is then converted to hydrogen and carbon dioxide in a water-gas shift reaction.

4. Biomass Gasification: Similar to coal gasification, biomass is reacted with steam and oxygen to produce a gas mixture that is then converted to hydrogen.

5. Photolysis: Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using sunlight and a photocatalyst. This method is still in the research and development phase.

The choice of method depends on factors such as the availability of raw materials, the desired purity of hydrogen, and the environmental impact. The global hydrogen production capacity was approximately 70 million metric tonnes in 2019, with SMR being the dominant method. The demand for hydrogen is expected to grow due to its potential as a clean energy carrier, particularly in the context of the energy transition and the decarbonization of various industries.