In the global quest for carbon neutrality, hydrogen is emerging as a front-runner, and South Korea is at the forefront of this energy revolution. The country, which is resource-deficient, is exploring innovative ways to import hydrogen to meet its growing energy demands. A recent study led by Gyuna Kwak from the Division of Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering at Ewha Womans University in Seoul, sheds light on the environmental impacts of importing hydrogen via maritime transportation. The study, published in Energy Conversion and Management: X, compares various hydrogen production processes and import methods, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders.
The study, which focuses on the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of imported hydrogen, reveals that the source of electricity used in hydrogen production plays a pivotal role in determining the overall emissions. “Our findings underscore the importance of producing hydrogen in regions with cleaner electricity generation,” says Kwak. This means that for countries like South Korea, importing hydrogen from countries with low-emission electricity grids could be more beneficial than producing it domestically or importing from nearby countries with higher emissions.
The research also highlights the significance of reducing emissions from the liquefaction and ammonia cracking processes, which are crucial steps in hydrogen importation. “Reducing emissions from these processes is a critical priority,” Kwak emphasizes. The study compares the use of liquid hydrogen and ammonia as carriers for hydrogen importation. It finds that importing ammonia is generally more advantageous than liquid hydrogen, unless the grid electricity emissions in the producing country are exceptionally low.
One of the most striking findings of the study is that hydrogen can outperform traditional methods in vehicle operation and power generation, even if it doesn’t meet the current clean hydrogen certification standards. This suggests that a more flexible approach to clean hydrogen certification could be beneficial. “Hydrogen requires emissions below 8.55 and 11.89 kg-CO2-eq./kg-H2 to demonstrate an advantage over conventional methods,” Kwak explains. This finding could reshape the hydrogen industry, encouraging a broader adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
The study also underscores the importance of considering the emissions from the entire lifecycle of hydrogen, including production, transportation, and use. This holistic approach is crucial for developing effective hydrogen-related policies. The comprehensive results of this study are applicable to resource-deficient countries seeking to import hydrogen, providing a roadmap for future developments in the field.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, this research offers valuable insights into the complexities of hydrogen importation. It highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the environmental impacts of hydrogen production and importation, encouraging a shift towards cleaner energy sources. The study serves as a reminder that the path to carbon neutrality is not straightforward, but with innovative research and strategic policy decisions, it is achievable.
