[ industry update ]
TÜV Rheinland launches ‘ H2-Ready ’ certification program TÜV Rheinland has launched an innovative certification program that qualifies materials for the emerging hydrogen economy . The ‘ H2-Ready ’ certification confirms that materials used in critical applications such as piping and pressure vessels in large industrial plants are suitable for use with pressurized hydrogen .
“ Our new ‘ H2.23 ’ standard combines the latest technology with global expertise to test materials for hydrogen compatibility ,” said Gunther Sproesser , materials expert at TÜV Rheinland . The challenge is that hydrogen can penetrate materials , making them brittle and causing damage to the point of component failure . Upon successful certification , manufacturers can receive the ‘ H2-Ready ’ test mark , demonstrating to customers that their materials can safely handle compressed hydrogen . The H2- Ready test mark is only awarded to materials that meet strict criteria and requires regular monitoring of production .
“ In Germany , there is a lack of recognized regulations for the long-term and safe use of components with pressurized hydrogen . We are filling this gap with the ‘ H2-Ready ’ certification . In doing so , we are ensuring greater safety and confidence in the rapidly growing hydrogen industry ,” added Sproesser .
Yara opens renewable hydrogen plant at Herøya , Norway On 10 June , Yara International officially opened its renewable hydrogen plant at Herøya , Norway . The 24-MW plant at Herøya Industrial Park is the largest of its kind currently in operation in Europe , according to Yara . It produces hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy , replacing natural gas as a feedstock .
Utilizing ITM ’ s TRIDENT stack platform , the plant will provide enough green hydrogen to produce 20,500 tonnes of ammonia per year , which can be converted to between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes of green fertilizer . Yara has already delivered the first tonnes of fertilizers made from renewable ammonia produced at this plant .
“ This is a major milestone for Yara and for the decarbonization of the food value chain , shipping fuel and other energy intensive industries ,” said Svein Tore Holsether , President & CEO of Yara . “ This is a ground-breaking project and a testament to our mission to responsibly feed the world and protect the planet ,” he added .
Langley acquires GKN Hydrogen
Langley Holdings , a privately owned UK-based engineering and industrial manufacturing group , has acquired GKN Hydrogen , the Italian hydrogen storage and power-to-power specialist , from Dowlais Group . Based in Pfalzen , northern Italy , with subsidiaries in Germany and the USA , GKN Hydrogen is pioneering a ‘ frontier technology ’ for the safe storage of hydrogen .
Formerly part of GKN Powder Metallurgy , a division of Dowlais Group plc , the company has brought together materials science and engineering to create advanced metal hydride compounds . The technology captures and stores hydrogen in a solid-state form at 16 times the density of compressed hydrogen gas without degradation for up to 30 years , according to company literature .
Hydrogen is converted back to a gas when required by heating the hydride to 60 ° C . The company has proven the system over 7,000 charge / discharge cycles with 99 % efficiency .
With this acquisition , GKN Hydrogen becomes part of Langley ‘ s Power Solutions Division . During the integration process , Langley Holdings will work closely with the GKN Hydrogen management team to ensure a smooth transition of the business .
8 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 17 | August 2024