A groundbreaking technology, showcasing the potential to revolutionize hydrogen production, will be featured in the technology showcase organized by Prototypes for Humanity from November 29th to December 2nd. The initiative, driven by the group’s commitment to environmentally sustainable solutions, aims to leverage renewable solar energy and biogas to produce hydrogen and high-quality cylindrical graphite.
At the heart of this innovation is the prospect of utilizing hydrogen for fuel cells, microgrids, and utility-scale hydrogen production, marking a significant stride in the renewable energy landscape.
Neil Navin, Chief Clean Fuels Officer at SoCalGas, expressed the importance of presenting this innovative technology at COP28. “Having this technology showcased during COP28 alongside 99 other innovative technologies highlights the importance of cultivating a broad range of climate solutions to help meet the global needs specific to each economy,” he emphasized.
The technology’s capabilities extend beyond hydrogen production. Navin pointed out, “This technology could be capable of producing hydrogen, which could potentially be stored for later use. Additionally, the associated solid carbon developed from this process could be used to produce key components of batteries, which might help reduce battery production costs in the energy transition.”
After successful development and laboratory demonstrations over the past two years, the project led by UCLA is transitioning from the laboratory to a real-world demonstration. The next phase involves securing additional funding, with five potential demonstration sites under consideration with SoCalGas, subject to approval by the CPUC.
Timothy Fisher, Professor at UCLA Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, highlighted the broader impact of the project. “Further development of this project could help generate the environmental and economic data needed to support greater adoption and commercialization of emerging low, zero, and even negative carbon hydrogen production technology,” he said.
The field demonstration is scheduled to commence in the second half of 2024, presenting the potential for deployment at various scales, from modular fuel cells to industrial or utility-scale hydrogen production and storage systems.
In the context of California’s carbon neutrality goals by 2045, innovative technologies like this one play a crucial role in decarbonizing challenging sectors. SoCalGas is actively contributing to this effort through the development of Angeles Link, a proposed clean renewable hydrogen pipeline system serving Southern and Central California. Angeles Link has the potential to be the nation’s largest clean renewable hydrogen pipeline system, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors.
SoCalGas is also working towards establishing a state hydrogen blending standard by proposing pilot projects for CPUC approval. These projects aim to explore how clean fuels like clean renewable hydrogen could be seamlessly integrated into California’s natural gas system.
In a recent decision, the CPUC emphasized the importance of pilot projects in advancing the clean renewable hydrogen market, supporting various use cases, and contributing to California’s climate goals. This underscores the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in driving sustainable and innovative solutions for a cleaner energy future.