Latest news with #electrolysis
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Bid to build hydrogen project at Whitelee wind farm
An application has been lodged to allow the production and storage of hydrogen at the site of the UK's largest onshore wind farm. Scottish Power has applied for hazardous substances consent to operate a green hydrogen facility next to Whitelee wind farm, near proposed development involves producing hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using power from the adjacent wind and solar farms, then storing and transporting it in high-pressure plan was first mooted in 2021 when the UK government awarded the project £9.4m. The application to East Ayrshire Council outlines plans for the storage and handling of several controlled substances on the include up to four tonnes of hydrogen, 1.3 tonnes of diesel, and 0.24 tonnes of sodium hypochlorite, all of which are subject to strict regulations under hazardous materials that is created on the site will be stored in a number of mobile tube trailers. These will be used to export the hydrogen via road, with up to six heavy goods vehicle movements per day plan states that the hydrogen facility will be located more than 1km (0.6 miles) from any public areas, including the B764. It goes on to say that about 10 permanent staff are expected to work at the site, in addition to occasional workers at the co-located solar and wind company plans to install venting systems, CCTV, fencing, and potential protective structures like blast walls. A broad application for the facility was made in 2021, with a view to having it up and running by the end of Scottish Ministers opted to "call in" the application, viewing the project as nationally significant in relation to policies on hydrogen production and net application was eventually approved in January and has been followed up with planning applications for an associated pipeline and this application for hazardous material Ayrshire Council will assess the application, with potential for public comment during the consultation period. Story from Local Democracy Reporter Kevin Dyson
Sustainability Times
18-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
Platinum-Free Hydrogen Revolution: This Korean System Stuns Scientists With Its Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Industrial Disruption Potential
IN A NUTSHELL 🔬 South Korean scientists have innovated a platinum-free hydrogen electrolysis system, reducing reliance on costly precious metals . . 💡 The breakthrough involves using larger catalyst particles to enhance performance and conductivity without platinum. to enhance performance and conductivity without platinum. 🌍 This advancement could significantly lower hydrogen production costs and boost its adoption as a clean energy source worldwide. source worldwide. 📈 The study strengthens South Korea's position in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. In a groundbreaking move towards a sustainable future, South Korean scientists have unveiled a revolutionary method to produce hydrogen without relying on costly precious metals. This development by the KAIST research team promises to transform the clean energy landscape by addressing a significant barrier in hydrogen production. As the world seeks efficient and eco-friendly energy solutions, this innovation could pave the way for widespread hydrogen adoption, offering a glimpse into a cleaner, greener future. The Challenges of PEMWE Systems Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolysis (PEMWE) is a leading technology for producing high-purity hydrogen by splitting water molecules using electricity. Despite its potential, PEMWE systems are hindered by their reliance on rare and expensive metals like platinum and iridium. These metals are crucial for accelerating the chemical reactions within the electrolyzer, but their high cost makes hydrogen production economically challenging. The core of the problem lies in the electrode interface of the PEMWE cells, where the iridium oxide (IrOx) catalyst drives the oxygen evolution reaction. To function optimally, IrOx requires the presence of platinum, which adds significantly to the cost. The South Korean research team identified a fundamental issue known as the 'pinch-off' effect, caused by structural weaknesses in the electrode interface. By addressing this, they aim to eliminate the dependency on platinum, making hydrogen production more affordable and accessible. 'This System Turns Any EV Into a Solar Vehicle': Revolutionary Tech Lets Electric Cars Recharge Themselves While Driving Innovative Solutions with Larger Catalyst Particles The researchers discovered that adjusting the size of the catalyst particles could greatly enhance the performance of PEMWE systems. By fabricating IrOx catalysts with diameters larger than 20 nanometers, they reduced the occurrence of pinch-off zones, which previously hindered electron transport. This breakthrough allowed electrons to move more freely between the catalyst and substrate, achieving high performance without platinum. Moreover, the team optimized the catalyst layer structure to minimize the ionomer's interference, maintaining strong catalytic activity. This innovation broke the traditional trade-off between activity and conductivity, proving that particle size can dramatically improve conductivity in PEMWE systems. For the first time, researchers demonstrated that particle size alone could restore performance, marking a significant advance in hydrogen technology. 'Solar Just Beat Coal': Historic Milestone as EU Electricity Is Now Powered More by the Sun Than by the World's Dirtiest Fuel Implications for Cost-Effective and Scalable Hydrogen Production This pioneering research provides an interface design strategy that resolves the conductivity issues previously stalling high-performance water electrolysis technology. By achieving high efficiency without relying on expensive materials, the study represents a major step towards realizing a hydrogen economy. The implications extend beyond cost savings; they also position South Korea as a leader in the global push for sustainable energy solutions. Published in the renowned journal Energy & Environmental Science, this study underscores the potential for scalable hydrogen production that is both economically viable and environmentally friendly. By reducing the reliance on rare metals, the KAIST team's findings could revolutionize the energy sector, making hydrogen a more attractive option for powering industries and vehicles worldwide. 'This Coding Trick Cuts 30% of Power Use': Data Centers Worldwide Could Be Transformed by This Shockingly Simple Energy Hack Future Prospects and Global Impact The implications of this research are vast, offering promising pathways for the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. As countries strive to meet climate goals and reduce carbon emissions, innovations like this are crucial. The KAIST team's work not only advances technology but also sets the stage for future research and development in the field of hydrogen energy. As we look ahead, the question remains: How will this breakthrough influence global energy policies and the transition towards a sustainable future? Can this innovation catalyze a shift in how we produce and consume energy, ultimately leading to a more sustainable planet? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
