Hydrogen Production from Air Humidity for Sustainable Development
Hydrogen can be created by capturing water from even dry desert air
Tuul and Bruno Morandi/Alamy
Introduction
Hydrogen production has taken a significant step towards sustainability with a new approach that extracts water from the atmosphere, making it possible to generate the fuel even in arid regions. This development aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations.
Background
Low-carbon hydrogen is recognized as a crucial tool for decarbonizing heavy industries, such as steel-making. However, conventional methods of hydrogen production using renewable electricity and electrolysers face a challenge in regions with abundant solar power potential but limited water resources.
The Prototype Device
Gang Kevin Li and his team at the University of Melbourne, Australia, have developed a prototype device that addresses this issue. The device can absorb water from the air and utilize electrolysis, powered by solar panels or wind turbines, to produce hydrogen. The researchers found that sulphuric acid is the most effective material for capturing water and successfully used it to generate high-purity hydrogen.
Advantages and Applications
This groundbreaking technology can capture water from the air even in extremely dry conditions, with a demonstrated capability to operate at humidity levels as low as 4 percent. This makes hydrogen production feasible in desert regions, such as central Australia and the Middle East. Additionally, the device can be deployed in remote locations, enabling off-grid villages to balance intermittent solar energy supplies using hydrogen.
Scalability and Complementarity
The technology is easily scalable, either by increasing the size of the prototype or by connecting multiple devices in a modular manner. The approach is complementary to existing production methods, such as steam methane reforming, which involves hydrogen production from fossil fuels. It can coexist with these methods rather than competing against them.
Further Research and Testing
While the prototype was primarily tested indoors, the next step for the research team is to conduct outdoor testing, including in desert environments, to evaluate its performance under real-world challenges like dust. This will provide valuable insights for future improvements and practical implementation.
Expert Opinion
Simon Bennett, an expert at the International Energy Agency, finds this innovative approach worth exploring. Although the prototype’s hydrogen production per square meter is lower than that of a commercial system with access to fresh water, Bennett acknowledges its potential and hopes for further testing at larger scales. He believes that this technology can leverage hydrogen’s competitive advantage in the future.
Topics:
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
The article discusses the production of low-carbon hydrogen, which is seen as a key tool for decarbonizing heavy industries. This aligns with SDG 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. Additionally, the development of a prototype device that can absorb water from the air and use electrolysis to make hydrogen relates to SDG 9, which focuses on promoting sustainable industrialization and fostering innovation. Finally, the use of renewable energy to produce hydrogen contributes to SDG 13, which aims to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
The article highlights the use of renewable energy (solar panels or wind turbines) to power the device that produces hydrogen. This aligns with SDG 7.2, which aims to increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The development of a prototype device that captures water from the air and produces hydrogen also relates to SDG 9.4, which focuses on upgrading infrastructure and retrofitting industries to make them sustainable. Additionally, the production of low-carbon hydrogen contributes to SDG 13.2, which emphasizes the integration of climate change measures into national policies and planning.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix
- Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits to enhance sustainability
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning
The article does not explicitly mention specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, the percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix can be used as an indicator for SDG 7.2. The number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits to enhance sustainability can serve as an indicator for SDG 9.4. Lastly, the inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning can be an indicator for SDG 13.2.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix (Target 7.2) | Percentage of renewable energy in the global energy mix |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable (Target 9.4) | Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits to enhance sustainability |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning (Target 13.2) | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: newscientist.com
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