Hydrogen fuel tech break-through

The case for fuel-cell vehicles has just taken a major step forward, following an announcement that CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) has developed membrane technology to separate hydrogen from ammonia.

"This is a watershed moment for energy, and we look forward to applying CSIRO innovation to enable this exciting renewably-sourced fuel and energy storage medium a smoother path to market," said CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall.

"I'm delighted to see strong collaboration and the application of CSIRO know-how to what is a key part of the overall energy mix," Dr Marshall was quoted saying in a press release.

The announcement was made during a press conference in Queensland, where the new technology was demonstrated in the form of a modular conversion unit supplying 'ultra-pure' hydrogen used to fuel a Toyota Mirai (pictured) and Hyundai NEXO.

The modular unit is commercially affordable and can be operated reliably from remote locations, making it a potential export earnings winner and the foundation for a networked system of hydrogen supply stations around the country.

Bulk ammonia can be transported easily – unlike hydrogen in its liquid or gaseous state – to service stations around Australia and around the world. Membrane technology at the remote site can hive off hydrogen from the ammonia for replenishment of fuel-cell vehicles, which produce electrical power from the process of bonding hydrogen atoms with oxygen atoms – from the atmosphere – with water vapour the only emission from the process.

Extracting hydrogen from ammonia leaves nitrogen, an inert gas that constitutes 80 per cent of the planet's atmosphere. Unlike CO2, nitrogen (N2) is not a greenhouse gas.

Fuel-cell vehicles with tanks full of hydrogen offer a reasonably long range for touring, but have been held back in Australia by the lack of infrastructure to refill the tanks. And the infrastructure has not been forthcoming because extracting hydrogen has been too energy-intense. Furthermore, the hardware to do so has been expensive and not commercially viable without a sustainable sales base.

The CSIRO expects that the membrane technology can be powered by renewable energy (solar and wind) in far-flung parts of the nation.

While some car companies in Australia foresee an automotive future based on battery/electric vehicles, Hyundai and Toyota support CSIRO through a lobby group, Hydrogen Mobility Australia. Hyundai plans to test the system with its NEXO fuel-cell vehicle and Toyota will do likewise with its Mirai.

The lobby group has been in talks with local and state governments, and hydrogen supply stations are anticipated to enter service as soon as 18 months from now.

"Hydrogen applications, including FCEVs are being supported by governments globally to meet their climate, energy and economic goals," says Hydrogen Mobility Australia CEO, Claire Johnson.

"With Australia a potential supplier of hydrogen to the world, it is imperative of governments at all levels to work with industry to realise the full benefits of this opportunity, including the development of a local hydrogen powered transport sector."

Partnered with CSIRO in this project and another member of Hydrogen Mobility Australia, BOC is a company that stands to gain indirectly by the new technology and is already well-known for storing and transporting fluids.

"BOC's innovative engineering team are proud to be collaborating with CSIRO researchers on this technology breakthrough, as we focus on advancing the hydrogen economy and global transition towards clean hydrogen for mobility and energy," said BOC Sales and Marketing Director Bruce Currie.

The next stage in the project is to deploy the technology on an expanded scale for further demonstrations, in Australia and abroad.