What Role Will Hydrogen Play in the Chemical Feedstock Sector?
The use of hydrogen as a sustainable chemical feedstock is becoming increasingly attractive in the European Union – in fact, it is predicted that by 2050, 9% of EU hydrogen demand will be for this purpose. Hydrogen Industry Leaders asks what makes hydrogen such an attractive option.
Today, 38% of the 10 million tons of hydrogen currently used in the EU industry is used as a chemical feedstock in the production of ammonia, with a further 8% used to produce methanol. Ammonia is primarily used to make fertilisers, or household cleaning products in the form of ammonium hydroxide. In industrial processes, ammonia is used as a refrigerator, purificator, and chemical stabiliser. Methanol, on the other hand, can be used to produce other chemical compounds, such as plastics, solvents, and fuel additives. However, the opportunity for innovation is vast, given hydrogen’s versatility in producing a wide range of chemical products, including hydrogen peroxide, propylene oxide, and acrylic acid.
Perhaps the most appealing quality hydrogen has to offer is its sustainability. Green hydrogen can be produced cleanly from renewable energy sources such as wind or solar and is therefore a zero-carbon product. Its high energy content and its transportability also make it a sustainable fuel as well as feedstock, and it can be used to power various chemical processes efficiently and effectively. Hydrogen can be used industrially to fuel furnaces and boilers, which in turn reduces energy costs and improves overall energy efficiency.
Ultimately, as the world strives to combat the effects of climate change by focussing on decarbonisation and clean energy, hydrogen has a lot to offer as both an energy source and a clean, efficient, and versatile chemical feedstock. Hydrogen’s capacity to produce clean chemicals, which can be converted into high-value end-products for various sectors, makes it a valuable option for chemical feedstocks in an increasingly eco-friendly world.
Through Hydrogen Industry Leaders’ bespoke in-person events, you can hear from key players in the sector and learn how hydrogen can be introduced into your processes. To learn how you can get involved, click the link.
