3564 Guidance on green and low carbon hydrogen production: plant design, construction, operation and maintenance, co-location and other considerations

Overview:

‘Hydrogen economy’ is an umbrella term used to describe the role that hydrogen plays in the broader economy, including as a fuel, as an energy carrier storing excess electricity from renewable energy production, and as a chemical feedstock. As of 2023, ‘grey’ hydrogen (derived from fossil fuels) makes up the majority of hydrogen produced globally, however governments and industry see the potential for ‘green’ hydrogen (or low carbon hydrogen) – produced from electrolysis of water using excess renewable energy or through biomass gasification – to play an important role in the decarbonisation of the economy. Green hydrogen can have various uses, such as feedstock for chemical processes (including conversion to ammonia for agricultural use, or as a marine fuel), as a fuel for hard-to-decarbonise processes such as transport and heating, and as a form of stored energy for power generation.

Production of green/low carbon hydrogen at scale will require the construction (and potentially co-location with renewable power generation plants, such as onshore and offshore wind) of green hydrogen production plants.

This publication provides comprehensive high-level guidance on the key topics and challenges that potential developers/operators of green hydrogen production plants should consider, covering:

• green hydrogen certification schemes;
• design consideration for the two key types (electrolysis and bio gasification);
• consideration for co-location with power-generating plants or end users;
• business models (e.g. power-purchase agreements);
• construction considerations;
• operation and maintenance requirements;
• relevant standards and regulations (from the UK, US and EU), and
• other considerations such as managing fugitive emissions.

This publication will serve as an in-depth introduction to green hydrogen production for business planners/analysts, project managers, engineers, health, safety and environment managers, and designers.