New Energies, new possibilities

자료출처 비즈니스포스트

일 자 2024.9.8

▲ SK건설(현 SK에코플랜트)가 2021년 SK어드밴스드의 울산공장에 설치한 고체산화물 연료전지(SOFC) 모습. < SK에코플랜트 >

▲ 두산퓨얼셀은 2025년 양산을 목표로 전북 새만금단지에 고체산화물 연료전지(SOFC) 생산공장을 짓고 있다. 사진은 두산퓨얼셀, 전라북도, 새만금개발청 관계자들이 2021년 12월24일 전북 군산에서 발전용 연료전지 양산시설 건립을 위한 투자협약을 체결한 뒤 기념 촬영하는 모습. <전라북도>

Today, BMW announced that it will start selling vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell powertrains in 2028 alongside the battery electric, gasoline-, and diesel-powered cars and SUVs it sells today. It is working with Toyota to develop new fuel cells, targeting half the cost and 20 percent better efficiency than current-generation fuel cell stacks. But the technology should be seen as complementary to battery electric vehicles, not a replacement for them, BMW said.

Earlier this morning, the automaker held a roundtable discussion with Michael Rath, BMW's vice president for hydrogen vehicles, who began by answering the main question I had been planning to ask well before any of the assembled journalists were called on.

"It's a fact: battery electric vehicles are more efficient in well-to-wheel than fuel cell electric vehicles. It's absolutely true that the conversion of electricity into hydrogen and back into electricity in the car generates losses and hence is less efficient than using the electricity directly," Rath said.

BMW's position is that some regions have such high potential energy yields from solar or wind that it compensates for these conversion losses. That energy can be exported to renewable-poor regions—like Germany or Japan, for example—in the form of hydrogen. Along those lines, even in renewable-rich regions, hydrogen could be generated as a form of load balancing during times when it's sunny or especially windy, and there's a surplus.

"So if the electricity for the vehicle first has to be imported, as it is the case in many countries, then a solar panel in southern Spain or Australia will generate more energy in the same time and provide a similar driving range for an SUV, despite the energy intensive conversion processes involved," Rath said

But the key advantage of hydrogen over battery electric is its fast refueling times. For a long time, drivers have been conditioned to expect to be able to refuel in five minutes or less, and the longer recharging times for BEVs continue to be a stumbling block for the EV-incurious and those who don't like change. Rath called out towing as particularly benefitting here—no one complains about how poor an ICE truck's fuel efficiency gets when towing, because of the plentiful refueling infrastructure and the rapid refueling times.

Just where are you going to fill that thing?

Of course, like BEVs and chargers, infrastructure will be key to any FCEV success. After all, there's no point in selling someone a hydrogen-powered car if there's nowhere for them to fill up with hydrogen. Europe "will require the deployment of a hydrogen refurbing station every 200 kilometers along the trans-European transport network, corresponding to more than 400 stations by 2030," Rath said, pointing to similar programs in Japan, South Korea, and China.

With series production of any FCEV still four years away, it's too soon for BMW to get specific about which models will get a hydrogen version, or where. "First, we have a really close look on how the region develops toward hydrogen infrastructure. And also, what is the market demand? What its customers need in each region," Rath said. But we can expect hydrogen versions of existing models rather than anything entirely new just for the FCEV powertrain.

Here in the US, the Department of Energy has billions of dollars in funding for green hydrogen, including a series of regional green hydrogen production hubs. But at the same time, California, the one state in the country that had any kind of existing retail hydrogen infrastructure, is seeing most of those retail stations close.

Consequently, it seems unlikely that BMW will bring these future FCEVs to North America, at least not as part of the initial 2028 rollout, absent a reversal of that trend.

BMW explains why it will sell hydrogen fuel cells in 2028 | Ars Technica

ボルボは9月3日、次世代の大型電動トラック『FH エレクトリック』新型が、1回の充電で最大600km走行できると発表した。

（写真：レスポンス）

世界中で大型トラックの電動化が進行しており、長距離運送も現実のものとなりつつある。ボルボは2025年、1回の充電で最大600km走行可能な新型FH エレクトリックを発売する予定。これにより、運送会社は地域間や長距離ルートで電動トラックを運用し、1日の業務を充電なしで遂行できるようになる。この新型FH エレクトリックは2025年後半に販売開始予定だ。

ボルボの新型電動トラック、航続600kmを可能に…2025年発売へ（レスポンス） - Yahoo!ニュース

9月5日、トヨタ自動車とBMWグループは、カーボンニュートラルの実現と水素社会の構築に向け、水素分野での協力関係を強化することで合意し、基本合意書を締結したと発表した。今後、燃料電池システムの開発やインフラ整備などに共同で取り組んでいくという。 【水素エンジンでスーパー耐久シリーズを戦うORC ROOKIE Corolla H2 concept】 　トヨタとBMWは、2011年12月に環境技術における中長期的な協力関係の構築に合意。燃料電池をはじめとした環境技術や、トヨタGRスープラ／BMW Z4といったスポーツカーなどの開発を共同で10年以上進めてきた。両社は「水素社会を実現したい」という共通の想いのもと、今後、燃料電池システムの技術革新を加速させていくという。 　今後トヨタとBMWは、第3世代燃料電池システムの共同開発に取り組み、両社のモデルに搭載することで、ユーザーにより幅広い燃料電池自動車（FCEV）の選択肢を提供する。具体的な第一弾として、2028年にBMWによる初の量産型FCEVの生産開始を予定しているという。 　また開発、調達の協力による相乗効果の創出や、パワートレーンユニットの統合によるコスト削減、商用／乗用の需要拡大などにも取り組む。FCEVがより身近な選択肢となることを通じ、水素社会の実現に向け貢献していくとしている。 　トヨタは水素社会を実現するに「想いを同じくする仲間とともに歩みを進めていく必要があります」としている。普及の黎明期にあたっては、水素の需要を塊で創出する必要があり、水素を製造、供給する事業者とも協調し、インフラの整備や水素の安定供給、低コスト化にも取り組んでいくとしている。 　スーパー耐久シリーズST-Qクラスで続けられる水素エンジン搭載車のORC ROOKIE Corolla H2 conceptの戦いは、トヨタがカーボンニュートラルの実現に向けて続ける取り組みの中で、水素を重要なエネルギーと位置づけ、『つくる／はこぶ／ためる／つかう』という各領域で水素社会実現のために、多くの仲間とともに歩みを進めてきた。 「BMWとトヨタの協業が新たなステージに入ることをうれしく思います。長年のパートナーシップを通じて、私たちはクルマづくりへの情熱と、BMWの『テクノロジー・オープンネス』、トヨタの『マルチパスウェイ・アプローチ』というカーボンニュートラルに向けた考え方を共有することを確認し合ってきました」というのは、トヨタ自動車の佐藤恒治社長。 「これら共通の価値観に基づき、今後、次世代燃料電池システムの共同開発やインフラ拡充の取り組みなど、水素社会の実現を目指して協力関係を深めていきます。水素エネルギーが社会を支える未来を実現するべく、BMWとともに、そして産業を超えた仲間とともに取り組みを加速してまいります」 　またBMW AGのオリバー・ツィプセ取締役会会長は「これは自動車の歴史における画期的な出来事であり、世界的なプレミアムメーカーによって提供される初めての量産モデルだ。水素のパワーとこの協業を原動力として、技術の進歩が将来のモビリティを形作ることを示していく。そしてこれは、多くの人々が燃料電池車を求める時代の幕開けとなる」と初の量産型FCEVの生産開始に向けて語った。 [オートスポーツweb 2024年09月05日]

The evolution of hydrogen production in the US.

The landscape of hydrogen production in the US is shaped by a complex interplay of historical foundations and modern advancements.

From its industrial roots to a growing focus on clean energy solutions, hydrogen holds vast potential. Exploring the country’s resources and strategic initiatives reveals a promising future for this versatile energy carrier.

But what does this mean for the US in the broader context of sustainable energy transition and decarbonisation efforts?

History and current outlook of hydrogen production in the US

Hydrogen production in the US dates back to the early 1800s, when it was first utilised for industrial purposes.

Initially, hydrogen was primarily produced through steam reforming of natural gas. Over time, advancements in hydrogen technology have led to more efficient and sustainable production methods, such as electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.

This shift toward renewables has not only improved the energy efficiency of hydrogen production but also reduced its environmental impact, aligning with the growing emphasis on clean energy.

Currently, the outlook for hydrogen production in the US is one of promising growth. The integration of hydrogen into various industrial applications—such as refining, ammonia production, and transportation—is driving demand for this versatile energy carrier.

Moreover, the push for decarbonisation and the transition to a low-carbon economy has further fuelled interest in hydrogen as a clean energy solution.

With ongoing research and development, the US is well-positioned to expand its hydrogen production capabilities and play a significant role in the global hydrogen market.

US potential for hydrogen exploration and development

With abundant natural gas reserves and a rapidly growing renewable energy sector, the US holds substantial potential for hydrogen exploration and development.

The country’s diverse resources and established infrastructure make it particularly well-suited for hydrogen production.

This potential is further amplified by a national commitment to clean energy initiatives, positioning hydrogen as a key player in the transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Hydrogen exploration and development in the US are supported by several factors. Vast natural gas reserves enable cost-effective hydrogen production through steam methane reforming—a process that can be made even cleaner with carbon capture technology.

Additionally, the increasing focus on renewable energy sources like wind and solar presents opportunities for green hydrogen production through electrolysis, which uses electricity from clean sources to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

The US government’s emphasis on clean energy and carbon reduction aligns with the promotion of hydrogen as a clean fuel alternative.

This support, combined with advancements in hydrogen technologies and infrastructure, positions the US as a significant player in the global hydrogen market.

As demand for clean energy solutions continues to rise, the US holds a promising future in hydrogen exploration and development, contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Hydrogen’s role in the US clean energy transition

Hydrogen has the potential to play a significant role in the US clean energy transition by serving as a versatile and sustainable energy carrier.

As a clean fuel, hydrogen technology offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting climate goals. Its versatility allows for integration across various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation.

In the context of renewable energy, hydrogen is crucial for energy sustainability. By using renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower to produce green hydrogen through electrolysis, the US can reduce its dependence on fossil fuels and move toward a more sustainable energy mix.

This aligns with national climate goals by promoting decarbonisation and reducing environmental impact.

Moreover, hydrogen technology enables energy storage and grid balancing, addressing the intermittency of renewable sources and enhancing overall system reliability.

By leveraging hydrogen as a storage medium, the US can optimise its renewable energy resources and establish a more resilient and efficient energy infrastructure.

Key points of the US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap

The US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap outlines key initiatives and objectives for advancing hydrogen utilisation and production nationwide.

The strategy focuses on promoting clean energy through the development of a vibrant hydrogen economy, with an emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing energy security, and creating new economic opportunities.

One of the main points of the strategy is the commitment to scaling up clean hydrogen production to decrease costs and increase competitiveness.

This involves significant investment in research and development to drive innovation and improve efficiency in hydrogen production technologies.

Additionally, the roadmap emphasises the importance of establishing strategic partnerships between the government, industry, and academia to accelerate the deployment of hydrogen infrastructure across various sectors.

It also highlights the significance of international collaboration, aiming to align with global partners to advance clean hydrogen technologies on a worldwide scale.

Ultimately, the strategy aims to position the US as a leader in clean hydrogen production and utilisation, driving innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

Future direction of the US hydrogen landscape

The envisioned future of hydrogen production in the US involves establishing sustainable partnerships and driving innovation to solidify the nation’s position as a global leader in clean hydrogen.

Future development in the US hydrogen sector will depend heavily on technological advancements to enhance efficiency and reduce costs associated with production, storage, and transportation.

Research and development efforts are focused on improving electrolysis technologies, exploring novel materials for fuel cells, and enhancing hydrogen infrastructure to support a growing market.

Policy support is crucial in shaping the future of the US hydrogen landscape. Implementing supportive regulations, fiscal incentives, and investment frameworks will be essential for fostering market expansion and encouraging private sector engagement in hydrogen-related projects.

By creating a conducive policy environment, the US aims to attract investments, stimulate innovation, and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies across various industries.

Market expansion is another key objective for the US hydrogen sector. Developing a robust hydrogen market will involve diversifying end-use applications, such as transportation, industrial processes, and power generation, to create sustainable demand for hydrogen products.

By expanding market opportunities and promoting cross-sector collaboration, the US can establish a thriving hydrogen economy that contributes to decarbonisation efforts and strengthens long-term energy security.

In conclusion, the US has a rich history of hydrogen production and a promising future ahead. With abundant natural gas reserves and a growing renewable energy sector, the country is well-positioned for hydrogen exploration and development.

As a key player in the clean energy transition, hydrogen offers a versatile and sustainable solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors.

The US National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap provide a clear direction for the future of hydrogen production in the US, setting the stage for continued innovation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.