Hydrogen, a molecule of the future

Hydrogen is the smallest of all atoms.
The hydrogen molecule, H2 forms a colorless, odorless, combustible gas that reacts with a great number of chemical substances. It is everywhere in the universe and is the lightest and most abundant of molecules; it is the basic building block of the stars and the sun. It does not exist on its own on the earth but is found in combination with other atoms, generally oxygen to form water or carbon to form hydrocarbons.

The amount of hydrogen generated in 2005 by industry all over the world, mainly by refineries, (producers and consumers taken together) is estimated at some 500 billion normal m3 (about 50 Million tonnes). The hydrogen generated by all industrial gas manufacturers in 2005 exceeded 30 billion m3, a figure which is set to almost double by 2008. Chemical and petro-chemical manufacturers are increasingly tending to outsource their supplies to meet fast-growing new requirements.

More than 90% of the H2 generated comes from reforming natural gas: this process is the most widespread since it is relatively easy to implement on a large–scale and cost-effective. Indeed, the methane molecule CH4 when mixed with water and brought to a high temperature generates heat, steam, CO, CO2 and H2 in certain proportions.
Carbon monoxide (CO) carbon dioxide (CO2) and the H2 and CO combination are marketed to the chemical industry for the manufacture of polycarbonates and polyurethanes (used, for example, in foam fillings for furnishings and motor vehicle upholstery), which helps to optimize industrial efficiency and minimize discharges of CO2. Purification processes allow pure H2 to be obtained according to need at a rate up to 100,000 Nm3/h.
Obtaining H2 by water electrolys requires considerable electrical power, often suitable for generating small volumes or for applications located close to low cost hydroelectric sources (Canada for example).

. By far the most important application and the fastest growing, is the desulphurization of motor vehicle fuels, in compliance with the regulations currently in force in many countries.
. The petrochemical industry (plastics, detergents, paints) requires very large amounts and is therefore supplied by pipelines.
. Electronics, the heat treatment of metals, glass polishing, plate glass manufacture and edible oil hydrogenation also make use of hydrogen which is in this case supplied compressed or liquefied, by truck or cylinders, and by smaller plants.
In the space industry, hydrogen is the most effective energy carrier used in rocket and shuttle propulsion.
. Used in a fuel cell, hydrogen is an energy carrier that generates electricity cleanly and silently (its only by-product is water). It is a source of energy that will see significant development over the medium and long term.

. More than 40 plants, a 1,700 km network of pipelines serving major customers in a number of industrial areas: Antwerp/Rotterdam, Rhine/Ruhr, Gulf of Mexico and the West coast of the United States, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, China.
. Mastery/Control of the entire logistics chain and safety. Distribution by pipeline, in liquid form or compressed in cylinders, small and medium-sized on-site production equipment. More than 1,000 trucks and several hundred thousand cylinders in circulation throughout the world
. Thousands of dedicated personnel (plants and transports) to minimize risks and maximize safety,roughly a hundred people in Research, Development and Innovation on ambitious projects (high pressure stations), participation in large-scale European, American and Asian testing and deployment projects.
. A subsidiary dedicated to Fuel Cells, offering “ready to go” systems, combined with appropriate Hydrogen logistics (low and high pressure cylinders)
. The largest plants: Bayport (United States) and Antwerp (Belgium) with production in excess of 100,000 Nm3/h each.
. Total Hydrogen sales for the Group: nearly 500 million euros in 2004.
. Investment decisions for Large-scale Industry of roughly 400 million euros per annum, over the last two years, with 2/3 of these relating to hydrogen projects. .

Latest main developments

. New production capacity at Bayport, Texas (United States).
. Plant start up at El Segundo, (United States) for Chevron Texaco, end of 2004, of 100,000 m3
. Start-up of 2 units of 50,000 m3/h each in Spain, at Puertollano, for Repsol, and in France, at
  Port-Jerome, for Exxon Mobil.

2005 start-ups (contracts already announced)

   · China at Caojing 20,000 m3/h, Spain at La Coruna 30,000m3/h.

More information

Hydrogen energy, one of the pillars of Air Liquide's sustainable development policy

View Air Liquide’s movie: “Hydrogen, a clean fuel”