[ industry update ]
Sinopec completes seawater hydrogen project at Qingdao Refinery Sinopec has completed China ’ s first factorybased seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery . The project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green hydrogen production , achieving an hourly output of 20 m ³ of green hydrogen .
This innovative approach not only offers a new solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for green hydrogen production but also provides an alternative pathway for the utilization of high-salinity industrial wastewater .
The project adopts a factory-based operation model , leveraging a portion of the green electricity generated by Qingdao Refinery ’ s floating photovoltaic power station . Through electrolysis , seawater is split into hydrogen and oxygen , with the produced hydrogen seamlessly integrated into the Qingdao Refinery ’ s pipeline network for use in refining processes or hydrogen-powered vehicles . The entire production process occurs within a factory setting , ensuring efficiency and operational stability .
Despite its advantages , seawater hydrogen production comes with challenges . Seawater contains approximately 3 % salt , and impurities , such as chloride ions , can corrode electrolytic electrodes , while cationic deposits may clog equipment channels , reducing efficiency and causing damage . Sinopec Qingdao Refinery , in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals , has successfully overcome these challenges through a series of specialized equipment innovations and unique process designs , including chlorine-resistant electrode technology , highperformance electrode plate design , and a seawater circulation system .
Plug and Allied Green Ammonia sign 3-GW electrolyzer deal Plug Power has announced a purchase agreement with Allied Green Ammonia
( AGA ) for the supply of 3 GW of electrolyzer capacity to AGA ’ s green hydrogen-toammonia plant , currently under development in Australia .
AGA will install a 4.5-GW solar plant to power the Plug electrolyzers with zeroemission clean electricity . The green hydrogen produced will be used to make green ammonia .
With the agreement signed and sealed , Plug will develop a Basic Engineering and Design Package ( BEDP ), providing crucial technical details and engineering specifications to attract investors and finalize financing .
Upon a positive Final Investment Decision ( FID ) expected by Q2 2025 , Plug will kick off the manufacturing and delivery of PEM electrolyzers starting in Q1 2027 .
AGA ’ s ambitious mega project , one of the largest green ammonia production facilities in the world , is set to produce approximately 2,700 metric tons per day of green ammonia . This venture is driven by a growing demand from AGA ’ s customers in Asia and Europe for ammonia used in a range of sectors , including agriculture , energy storage , transport , and industrial applications .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 20 | February 2025 7