Considerations for Scaling Up Hydrogen Production Technologies

Presentation Description: As decarbonization efforts around the world accelerate, new hydrogen technologies are emerging as one pathway to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Traditionally, hydrogen has been produced via steam- methane reforming – a well-established process, but one with its own carbon footprint. With increase in demand for low-carbon intensity hydrogen, new production methods and technologies are being studied and developed by both academic and industrial institutions. Many of these new production methods are still in the research phases of development and therefore have only been tested in lab- or bench-scale applications. This paper will discuss several of the key challenges and considerations that must be addressed when scaling up new technologies to functional pilot (or larger)-scale production facilities.
Key topics to include:
• Industry partnerships
• Timeline for scale up
• Feedstock availability, sourcing, purity requirements / design basis
• Utility requirements
o Water/steam
o Power
o Nitrogen
o Instrument air
o Other
• Applicable safety codes/standards
• Applicable fabrication/construction codes/standards
• Applicable permitting requirements
• Availability/sourcing of key equipment
o Review of supply chain
o Qualified fabricators (tie into applicable codes/standards)
• Developing operating procedures (incl start-up/shut-down sequence)
• Greenfield vs. brownfield installations
• Site development / balance of plant equipment