Hydrogen production: How is hydrogen made and what is it?

Hydrogen is becoming increasingly important as a promising clean energy carrier – especially with a view to a more climate-friendly future. But have you ever wondered what hydrogen actually is and how it is produced? In this article, we look at the basics and technologies used to produce hydrogen and what makes hydrogen a special element.

Producing hydrogen through technological use

Several technologies for hydrogen production exist, which can be used depending on the specific requirements and available resources. Here are some common methods:
 

 

 

 

Sustainability of hydrogen production: Choosing the right energy source

It should be noted that not all hydrogen production processes are equally sustainable or environmentally friendly. The sustainability of hydrogen production depends on the energy source used and the CO2 emissions during the production process. In order to make the most of the benefits of hydrogen as a clean energy source, it is of great importance to use renewable energy sources for the production of hydrogen.

The use of renewable energies such as solar energy, wind energy or hydropower can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in hydrogen production, making it more sustainable and sustainable. Environmentally friendly hydrogen is produced. This is an important step towards achieving a low-carbon future and tackling climate change.

Hydrogen is also often referred to as the "champagne of the energy transition". But how can we produce hydrogen from renewable energies on a large scale?


Electrolysis is the process that is most promising. The electrolysis process enables the environmentally friendly production of hydrogen, especially if the electricity used for it comes from renewable energy sources. These technologies play an important role in enabling clean hydrogen to emerge as a sustainable energy carrier for various applications. We took a detailed look at the different technologies and took a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

PEM electrolysis:

PEM electrolysis, also known as proton exchange membrane electrolysis, splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using a polymer membrane and electric current.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Alkaline electrolysis:

In alkaline electrolysis, water is split into its constituents hydrogen and oxygen using an alkaline electrolyte, typically an aqueous solution of potassium hydroxide.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

SOEC (Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell):

SOEC stands for Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell and refers to a high-temperature electrolytic cell that converts water into hydrogen and oxygen at high temperatures and with solid oxides as the electrolyte.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

AEM electrolysis (Anion Exchange Membrane):

AEM stands for Anion Exchange Membrane and refers to an electrolyzer technology that uses a special membrane that allows permeability to negatively charged ions and splits water into hydrogen and oxygen using electric current.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

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Ash Air has been around in New Zealand since 1979, and we’ve grown into a nationwide company with international support and a reputation for quality and reliability.We look after all things compressed air for your business!

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Ash Air's range of Chicago Pneumatic, ALUP, Pneumatech, and Atlas Copco products are used extensively around the world in industries ranging from oil and gas to food, automotive and farming, and we bring you these world-class compressors here in the land of the long white cloud.Our technicians are compressed air equipment experts and are dedicated to addressing customer needs. Supported with nationwide coverage, Ash Air offers one of the widest selections of compressed air, vacuum pump, and industrial gas equipment and parts available today in New Zealand.

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