In the quest for cleaner energy solutions, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising contender, and recent research is shedding light on the most efficient ways to produce it. A study published in the journal *Hydrogen* (formerly known as International Journal of Hydrogen Energy) compares two methods for producing hydrogen from biomethane, offering insights that could reshape the energy sector’s approach to this critical resource.
The research, led by Salmi Mohd Yunus of TNB Research Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, delves into the techno-environmental aspects of steam methane reforming (SMR) and chemical looping reforming (CLR). Both methods aim to convert biomethane into hydrogen, but they differ significantly in efficiency and environmental impact.
Steam methane reforming, the current industry standard, involves reacting methane with steam under high temperatures to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide. However, this process is energy-intensive and requires additional steps to capture and store the carbon dioxide, driving up costs and energy consumption.
Chemical looping reforming, on the other hand, uses a metal oxide to react with the methane, producing hydrogen and a solid oxide that can be easily separated and stored. This method not only simplifies the carbon capture process but also reduces energy requirements and costs.
The study found that CLR achieves a higher hydrogen concentration in the raw syngas stream (62.44%) compared to SMR (43.14%), with lower levels of residual methane and carbon monoxide. Moreover, the energy requirements for hydrogen production are significantly lower in the CLR system, averaging 1.2 MJ/kg compared to 3.2 MJ/kg for SMR. Economically, CLR also comes out ahead, with a hydrogen production cost of USD 4.3/kg compared to USD 6.4/kg for SMR.
“This study highlights the potential of chemical looping reforming as a next-generation reforming strategy for producing green hydrogen,” said Salmi Mohd Yunus, lead author of the study. “The improved thermal integration and the absence of solvent-based CO2 capture in CLR make it a more efficient and cost-effective option.”
The implications of this research are substantial for the energy sector. As the world shifts towards low-carbon energy systems, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to rise. The findings suggest that CLR could play a pivotal role in meeting this demand, offering a more sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional methods.
To further advance the technology, the researchers propose developing a pilot-scale CLR facility. This would validate system performance under operational conditions and support the pathway to commercial implementation, potentially accelerating the adoption of CLR in the energy sector.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, research like this is crucial in guiding the development of technologies that are not only efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally sustainable. The shift towards green hydrogen production methods like CLR could mark a significant step forward in the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.