Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Written on: Februarie 27, 2022
Title : Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
link : Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Global warming is a serious problem and poses a significant threat to the ecosystem through rising temperatures, sea level rise, water scarcity, drought, etc. In addition, carbon emissions from the construction of buildings contribute significantly to this problem.
Thus, any effort to reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry is essential. In this regard, hydrogen is an innovative and environmentally friendly energy source for construction sites that can eliminate the CO 2 emitted by conventional energy sources such as diesel generators or electricity generated from of fossil fuels.
However, current obstacles such as the lack of infrastructure to supply hydrogen may discourage developers from using green hydrogen. This can be reversed by raising awareness of the benefits, practicalities and potential of hydrogen for construction projects.
Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Benefits of Hydrogen Energy
Hydrogen energy can be used as a reliable source to power construction sites. Also, it can outperform other weather-dependent green energy sources, such as wind and solar, because hydrogen can be delivered and made available like a conventional fuel.
Moreover, the use of hydrogen is more sustainable than fossil fuels. It produces energy through combustion technology or fuel cells without the emission of carbon , particles and nitrogen oxide. Thus, it helps investors and developers achieve zero carbon emissions which is a goal for some countries like the US and UK by 2050.
Finally, hydrogen has a high energy density, which makes it more attractive than other storage technologies, such as batteries.
Hydrogen electric cell system used to power a construction site in the UK
Practice
It can be argued that hydrogen is not at the same level of advancement or maturity as ordinary energy sources. Therefore, more technological development is needed to solve the practical problems.
Moreover, storing and delivering hydrogen could be a difficult task. This is because hydrogen is a light molecule and must be compressed to a substantially high pressure range of 200 to 700 bar or liquefied at a considerably low temperature of around -253°C to make it a practical energy carrier.
However, the necessary progress has already been made. For example, some vendors like Aggreko will soon offer power generation solutions that use currently available hydrogen transportation methods like tube trailers and multi-cylinder packs as power sources.
Finally, hydrogen is highly flammable, so the safety of people on site must be guaranteed. Therefore, the necessary safety measures must be put in place to avoid accidents.
The use of hydrogen energy on the construction site
Current technological advancement
Currently, several options are available for using hydrogen energy; for example, hydrogen-burning generator sets have been developed that can be used in temporary power applications without emissions.
Hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells. It converts the chemical energy of the fuel cell into electricity without a combustion process. Therefore, these cells provide a clean and efficient method of keeping construction equipment running, especially those that require quiet operation, such as on most urban construction sites.
Economy versus sustainability
The cost required to harness hydrogen energy is approximately three to five times that of diesel energy. However, the cost of hydrogen energy can be significantly reduced with increased hydrogen manufacturing capacity, in combination with the introduction of mature renewable energy generation technologies and capabilities. Additionally, zero emissions goals could force the construction industry to turn to green energy options like hydrogen.
In addition, government agencies encourage the use of these green energy sources by offering grants to project promoters. At the same time, these bodies are eliminating diesel subsidies. California has passed subsidies for hydrogen or other green energy sources, and other countries like the UK may soon follow suit.
The situation can change quickly and therefore the construction industry cannot think only from a monetary point of view and must take steps towards a greener source of energy .
FAQs
Is the construction industry ready to embrace hydrogen?
Hydrogen energy can be used as a source of heat and electricity on construction sites. Also, it can outperform other weather-dependent green energy sources, such as wind and solar, because hydrogen can be delivered and made available like a conventional fuel.
How is energy generated from hydrogen?
Currently, several options are available for using hydrogen energy; for example, developed hydrogen combustion generators that can be used in temporary power applications without emissions. Additionally, hydrogen can be used to power fuel cells. It converts the chemical energy of the fuel cell into electricity without a combustion process.
Is there a safety concern regarding hydrogen energy on the construction site?
Hydrogen is highly flammable, so safety on site must be guaranteed. Therefore, the necessary safety measures should be put in place to avoid adverse events.
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