Hydrogen has tremendous potential to become the fuel of the future. It can be produced from viable and sustainable sources and can contribute to meeting the growth in global energy demand.
Hydrogen is a non-carbon carrier, producing no harmful emissions when used in fuel cells.
StatoilHydro is committed to realizing this potential, and is working on introduction of hydrogen to the various energy markets.
Hydrogen secures the supply of energy
Hydrogen can be produced from various energy sources, both fossil fuels and sustainable sources, and by using various production technologies. Hydrogen is the common name for many energy sources, is found in large quantities in nature and can be extracted from both fossil fuel and sustainable energy sources.
Hydrogen is primarily made by partial oxidation or steam reformation of oil or natural gas, reformation of methanol, and electrolysis of water. But the production possibilities are many - even genetically modified algae can produce hydrogen.
Production of hydrogen is relatively simple compared to the processes used for making conventional fuels.
Hydrogen could create freedom in the use of energy for transport in the same way that internet has made mass communication available for everybody with a PC and a telephone line.
Hydrogen by electrolysis
Electrolysis of water splits the water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen gas. These gasses are produced when a current is passed from the anode to the cathode through an electrolyte.
The electrolyte comprises water mixed with a compound that achieves optimal conductivity of the electricity. The hydrogen and oxygen gasses produced are separated, cleaned, compressed and stored in gas cylinders or other storage receptacles.
Video: About hydrogen, see below.
