Skip to content
Sports — Finance — Industry — Environment — Science — Sport — Business — Climate-change — Lifestyle

Thailand's Sustainable Energy Shift: Hydrogen Takes the Helm

Thai authorities explore multiple avenues to accomplish net-zero carbon emissions for a brighter future, including hydrogen as a potential renewable and sustainable energy source to propel the nation's energy shift.

,   and  Administrator
4 min read
Thailand can pursue numerous strategies to attain net-zero carbon emissions, securing a brighter...
Thailand can pursue numerous strategies to attain net-zero carbon emissions, securing a brighter future for upcoming generations. Hydrogen, a renewable energy source, is one of the viable options to propel Thailand's energy transition into the future.

Thailand's Sustainable Energy Shift: Hydrogen Takes the Helm

Energize Thailand's Future: A Closer Look at Hydrogen as the Sustainable Energy Transition Fuel

Thailand has the potential to achieve net-zero carbon emissions and foster a better life for future generations by embracing renewable and clean energy solutions, such as hydrogen. With a history of utilizing hydrogen since the 18th century, the nation is poised to leverage its familiarity with this versatile and eco-friendly energy source.

What is Hydrogen, Anyway?

Hydrogen, a colorless and odorless gas, can be produced from various raw materials, each with different carbon emissions levels. Interestingly, this energy source burns cleanly, emitting only water vapour during combustion. Hydrogen production methods can be categorized according to their environmental impact:- Brown hydrogen (produced from coal): emits the highest amount of CO2- Grey hydrogen (produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming or SMR): releases less CO2 than brown hydrogen- Blue hydrogen (also produced from natural gas using CCS technology): CO2 emissions are captured and stored, reducing greenhouse gas emissions- Pink hydrogen (produced from nuclear energy via electrolysis): a relatively clean form of hydrogen, both safe and efficient in energy production- Green hydrogen (produced from renewable energy sources like solar or wind power via electrolysis): the cleanest form of hydrogen, free from carbon emissions

Hydrogen: A Beacon of Safety and Sustainability

Despite hydrogen's flammability, it is actually safer than one might think. In the event of a leak, hydrogen rises rapidly into the atmosphere rather than accumulating in low-lying areas, thus significantly reducing the risk of accidents caused by gas build-up in confined spaces.

The clean and efficient properties of hydrogen have made it attractive for use across industries, transportation, and power generation. For instance, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are known for their safety standards, comparable to those of natural gas for vehicles (NGV) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), encompassing storage, transportation, and leakage control.

However, the key challenge lies in reducing costs, particularly hydrogen fuel pricing and investments required for refueling stations. As a result, the initial adoption of hydrogen should initially focus on industries that rely on hydrogen in their production processes or have no viable alternatives, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from these so-called "hard-to-abate sectors."

The widespread adoption of hydrogen technology can help Thailand achieve its sustainability goals and transition towards a cleaner and more resilient future.

Related:- The challenges faced by green hydrogen in Thailand- PTT's path towards net zero at Sustainability Forum- Hydrogen and nuclear power to drive the transition to clean energy- The future of hydrogen and the automotive industry

[1] Link to the source of the information about Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE): https://www.hydrocarbons21.com/hydrocarbons-journal/news/electrolyser-technology-provider-hiiroc-confirms-droplet-carbon-removal-emission-free-hydrogen

[2] Link to the source of the information about Aluminum-Seawater Process: https://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/videos/2020-12-01/electric-powered-ferries-and-aluminum-seawater-offer-hydrogen-alternative

[3] Link to the source of the information about Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/solar-powered-hydrogen-key-future-clean-transportation

[4] Link to the source of the information about Steam Methane Reforming (SMR): https://energypedia.info/wiki/Steam_methane_reforming

[5] Link to the source of the information about Electrolysis: https://www.greencarreports.com/news/1119971_electrolysis-and-hydrogen-fuel-a-primer-for-energy-flexibility

[6] Link to the source of the information about Chlor-Alkali Hydrogen Production: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_chloride

[7] Link to the source of the information about Coke Oven Gas Pressure Swing Adsorption: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/331046908_An_overview_of_hydrogen_production_and_storage_technologies

[8] Link to the source of the information about Liquefied Natural Gas Cracking: https://www.hydrogenàdventures.eu/hydrogen/hydrogen-production/

[9] Link to the source of the information about Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE) by HiiROC: https://www.hiiroc.com/

[10] Link to the source of the information about Aluminum-Seawater Process: https://www.bloomberg.com/quicktake/videos/2020-12-01/electric-powered-ferries-and-aluminum-seawater-offer-hydrogen-alternative

[11] Link to the source of the information about Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production: https://www.greenbiz.com/article/solar-powered-hydrogen-key-future-clean-transportation

  1. Hydrogen, as a sustainable energy source, can contribute significantly to Thailand's goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions, supporting a better lifestyle for future generations.
  2. The safety of hydrogen, despite its flammability, is notable as hydrogen leaks swiftly into the atmosphere, reducing the risk of accidents.
  3. Hydrogen's clean and efficient properties make it attractive for various industries, including transportation and power generation, with hydrogen fuel cell vehicles adhering to robust safety standards similar to natural gas for vehicles (NGV) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
  4. One of the challenges in fully adopting hydrogen technology lies in reducing costs, particularly hydrogen fuel pricing and investments for refueling stations.
  5. To overcome initial cost obstacles, the initial application of hydrogen should focus on industries that rely on hydrogen in their production processes or have no viable alternatives, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the "hard-to-abate sectors."
  6. The widespread use of hydrogen technology can guide Thailand towards a cleaner, more resilient future, tackling climate-change concerns and supporting the transition to clean energy.
  7. Hydrogen production methods, such as Steam Methane Reforming (SMR), Electrolysis, Chlor-Alkali Hydrogen Production, Coke Oven Gas Pressure Swing Adsorption, Liquefied Natural Gas Cracking, Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), and the Aluminum-Seawater Process, vary in their carbon emissions levels and environmental impact.
  8. Collaborations and innovations in environmental-science, industry, finance, technology, and infrastructure are essential to make hydrogen production more efficient and cost-effective, ultimately driving the transition to clean energy worldwide.
  9. As hydrogen production methods evolve, advancements in science and technology, such as Solar-Powered Hydrogen Production and Thermal Plasma Electrolysis (TPE), will play a crucial role in creating a clean, sustainable, and energy-independent future.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest