Steam methane reforming
Hydrogen is produced by combining natural gas with steam at higher temperatures and moderate pressures.
Hydrogen: A clean and versatile energy carrier
What is Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe. It is colourless, odourless, and nontoxic. When combusted, hydrogen does not produce any carbon emissions. Many countries including Canada, are looking to build out hydrogen economies to reduce worldwide emissions.
Hydrogen gas is often called an “energy carrier” because it is produced from other energy sources, such as hydroelectricity and natural gas. Once produced, hydrogen is delivered to end-users using the natural gas pipeline infrastructure. It can also be stored and utilized during peak demands to avoid energy disruptions, making hydrogen a reliable and no-emission gas energy.
Producing Hydrogen
Canada has many sources of energy that can be used to produce hydrogen, but perhaps the most promising in terms of abundance and affordability is natural gas. There are several different processes that can be used to produce hydrogen. Each process has unique considerations including cost, technology readiness and emissions profile.
Pyrolysis/Methane splitting
Hydrogen is produced by splitting a CH4 molecule at high heat and pressure over a catalyst to produce H2 and solid carbon.
Electrolysis
Water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen molecules using electrical energy.
Auto thermal reforming
Combines both steam-methane reforming and partial oxidation to produce hydrogen from natural gas, steam, and oxygen.
Uses for Hydrogen
Hydrogen has diverse applications. It can be combusted directly, just like natural gas in space and industrial heating applications, or used in a fuel cell, for electricity generation or transportation applications. Hydrogen can also be blended with natural gas and delivered through its existing infrastructure for end-use appliances such as stoves, water heaters etc. The production of hydrogen from electrolysis also makes it a remarkable “battery” for intermittent renewables like wind and solar, in a process known as Power-to-Gas. Power-to-Gas is a process using surplus grid electricity to produce hydrogen which can then be stored and transported through the existing natural gas infrastructure.
The Natural Gas Delivery Industry and Hydrogen
Canada’s natural gas delivery industry is front and centre in efforts to assess the viability of greater hydrogen use. Gas utilities — already experienced in the safe and affordable transportation and delivery of gaseous fuels — are exploring different blending rates and approaches for managing storage and delivery of hydrogen, helping address Canada’s growing energy needs.