Hydrogen is a simple molecule, but a complex topic. Its versatility leads to a lot of terms that are not always easy to understand. We compiled a glossary to explain some of the terms we use in our project communication.
The list is not finished yet, more terminology will be added throughout the project.
Hydrogen is the most common chemical in the universe. The molecyle consists of two hydrogen atoms (H2). Hydrogen is often industrially produced by separating the oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H2) atoms in water (H2O) using electricity in a process called electrolysis. If the electricity used in this process is renewable, the hydrogen produced is called green hydrogen.
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Hydrogen economy means a situation where fossil raw materials and energy products like coal, oil and natural gas are replaced with products made of water, renewable electricity and captured carbon. All or at least almost all fossil based products can be replaced with sustainable ones.
Hydrogen economy is an umbrella term for everything hydrogen can do in different industries. The term covers the whole versatile value chain from renewable energy to end product.
Renewable hydrogen can replace fossil alternatives in many different industrial processes and fuels. There are so many possibilities to utilise green hydrogen that it has been referred to as an entirely new industry.
A hydrogen valley is a geographical area where various parts of the hydrogen value chain are concentrated, forming a local ecosystem of hydrogen production, distribution, and utilisation. Hydrogen can be transmitted as such, via a pipeline or a refuelling station, or processed further in the valley.
In a hydrogen valley, the distribution and utilisation value chains, as well as side streams like heat, have been considered beforehand to maximise sector integration and efficiency. BalticSeaH2 valley includes six industries: energy, transport, chemical, petro-chemical, refining, and fertilizer industry.
P2X or Power-2-X or Power-to-X refers to when renewable electricity is used to produce sustainable products.
Hydrogen is often either the end product or a step in the process of producing ammonia or synthetic hydrocarbons such as methane, methanol and aviation fuels.
RFNBO comes from the words ‘Renewable Fuel of Non-Biological Origin’. It refers to fuels that are produced from renewable energy sources other than biomass.
Hydrogen is considered an RFNBO. Hydrogen can be used to produce other liquid fuels, such as ammonia, methanol or e-fuels. They are also considered RFNBO’s when produced from renewable hydrogen.
Hydrogen is a colourless gas, but different colours represent the different types of production processes.
The European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative consists of a group of thirty-three energy infrastructure operators, united through a shared vision of a climate-neutral Europe enabled by a thriving renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market.
The EHB initiative aims to accelerate Europe’s decarbonisation journey by defining the critical role of hydrogen infrastructure – based on existing and new pipelines – in enabling the development of a competitive, liquid, pan-European renewable and low-carbon hydrogen market.
The initiative seeks to foster market competition, security of supply, security of demand, and cross-border collaboration between European countries and their neighbours.
https://ehb.eu/
Hydrogen derivatives are chemical compounds that are derived from hydrogen, usually by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with other atoms or groups. In the context of Power-to-X (P2X) technologies and hydrogen economy hydrogen derivatives play a crucial role in converting and storing renewable energy and replacing fossil based chemicals with renewable ones. Most important hydrogen derivatives considered are
Ammonia (NH3)
Ammonia is produced by combining hydrogen with nitrogen (N2) from the air via the Haber-Bosch process. It is a key hydrogen derivative used as a fertilizer, energy carrier, and fuel.
Methane (CH4)
Methane is synthesized through the Sabatier reaction, which involves reacting hydrogen with carbon dioxide (CO2) to produce methane and water. Methane can be used to replace natural gas in all applications.
Methanol (CH3OH)
Methanol is produced by reacting hydrogen with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide. It can be used in internal combustion engines, as a marine fuel, or as a base for producing synthetic fuels. Methanol is a versatile precursor for numerous chemicals and materials.
Synthetic Liquid Fuels
These are produced through processes such as Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, where hydrogen and carbon monoxide (derived from CO2) are converted into liquid hydrocarbons. End products are for example synthetic diesel and gasoline that can be used as direct substitutes for conventional fossil fuels and jet fuels that can be used in aviation, reducing reliance on fossil-based jet fuels.
Formic Acid (HCOOH)
Formic acid can be synthesized by reacting hydrogen with carbon dioxide. Formic acid has a wide range of uses: in leather tanning, as a decalcifier and cleaning product, as a chemical reducing agent, as a preservative in animal feeds, and for manufacturing its salts and esters.
Dimethyl Ether (DME)
DME is produced from methanol dehydration and can be used for example as a fuel suitable for use in diesel engines, LPG blending, and as an aerosol propellant.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
While less common in energy applications, hydrogen peroxide can be produced from hydrogen and oxygen. It is traditionally used as oxidizer, bleaching agent, and antiseptic, usually as a dilute solution in water for consumer use and in higher concentrations for industrial use.
