Denmark/France: Maersk and CMA cooperate on decarbonizing shipping +++ Oberhausen: Joint project researches H2 production from methanol-containing wastewater +++ Würzburg: SKZ tests hydrogen permeability of films +++ USA: PLIDCO announces fittings for H2 pipelines +++ Oldenburg: JET and EWE plan hydrogen filling station network +++ Norway: Hydrogen Pro delivers 5,5 MW electrolyzer to Mitsubishi +++ DISCOUNT promotion: Your advertisement on the PtX portal
A selection of PtX topics summarized at the end of the week
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AP Moller – Maersk and CMA CGM want to accelerate the environmentally friendly transition in shipping. © AP Moller – Maersk A/S
The Danish container shipping company AP Moller – Maersk A/S and the French logistics company CMA CGM are joining forces to advance decarbonization in the shipping industry. Both companies have already taken separate steps in this direction. Maersk has ordered ships that can run on bio-/e-methanol and has awarded contracts worldwide for the development of methanol supply networks. CMA CGM has ordered LNG-powered ships that can also run on bio-/e-methanol and has also placed orders for ships that can run exclusively on bio-/e-methanol. Specifically, both shipping companies intend to intensify their collaboration to develop the use of alternative and more environmentally friendly fuels for powering container ships. This includes, according to the companies, high standards for sustainable propulsion systems, standards for the operation of ships using green methanol with regard to safety and bunkering, and accelerating the delivery of bio-/e-methanol to the world's major ports. Furthermore, research will be conducted on alternative fuels such as ammonia and innovative technologies.
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The Carbon2Chem laboratory on the campus of the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology in Oberhausen. © Fraunhofer UMSICHT
The Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology (UMSICHT) is developing a process for converting blast furnace gases from steel production into basic chemicals within the collaborative project "Carbon2Chem." One of these chemicals is methanol, which is synthesized from blast furnace gas and hydrogen using CO2. According to the institute, wastewater containing residual methanol remains in the distillation sump during the processing of the methanol obtained through synthesis into a high-quality product. This wastewater is suitable for electrolysis to produce hydrogen and does not compete with drinking water production or irrigation. Furthermore, the hydrogen produced can be reused for methanol production. Unlike conventional water electrolysis, methanol-assisted water electrolysis (MAWE) does not simply split water into H2 and O2; instead, water and methanol react to form CO2 and H2. The theoretical total cell voltage is significantly lower in this process. “MAWE potentially consumes less energy than conventional water electrolysis. This makes it more economical,” says Ilka Gehrke, Head of the Environment and Resource Use Department at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. The first laboratory-scale trials have already been successful. The next step is optimization and practical implementation.
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The SKZ now also determines the hydrogen permeability of films. © SKZ / Luca Hoffmannbeck
The Würzburg Plastics Center (SKZ) is expanding its portfolio in the field of permeation measurements with a new measuring system for explosive gases. According to the company, the gas permeability of hydrogen can now also be determined in films. The measuring device enables the determination of the transmission rate through plastics with thicknesses between 20 micrometers and three millimeters at temperatures between five and 95 degrees Celsius. In addition to hydrogen, measurements are currently being carried out with oxygen, helium, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
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PLIDCO announces hydrogen-ready fittings according to US standards. © Pipe Line Development Company
The US company Pipe Line Development Company (PLIDCO) has announced a new line of fittings for use in hydrogen pipelines. The fittings are designed for high-pressure repairs of onshore and underwater pipelines, as well as for routine pipeline maintenance, and are reportedly suitable for hydrogen piping systems. The high-pressure fittings allow leaks to be repaired without operational downtime or welding in onshore and underwater environments. The products meet US quality standards. The company did not comment on whether a launch in the European market is planned.
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EWE Chief Technology Officer Urban Keussen (left) and Olaf Borbor, CEO of JET H2 Energy, at the signing of the agreement to build hydrogen filling stations in the northwest. © Izabela Mittwollen
JET H2 Energy and the Oldenburg-based utility company EWE AG are planning to build a network of hydrogen refueling stations. Under the agreement, JET H2 Energy will focus on the construction and operation of the stations. EWE will supply the green hydrogen, which the company plans to produce itself in Cuxhaven and Bremen and deliver to JET H2 Energy in trailers. Looking ahead, EWE intends to produce green hydrogen on a power plant scale in a 320-megawatt electrolysis plant in Emden, East Frisia. Initially, the construction of refueling stations is planned for Brake, Cuxhaven, Leer, and Schortens. These are to be subsidized by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs. In March, JET H2 Energy already announced the construction of ten hydrogen refueling stations in Germany and Denmark, which are scheduled to go into operation in spring 2024. Overall, JET H2 Energy plans to build 250 public hydrogen refueling stations in Germany, Austria, and Denmark within the next five years (as previously reported). Jet H2 Energy is a joint venture founded in July 2022 between the US oil and gas company Phillips 66 Ltd. and H2 Energy Europe AG (Switzerland).
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Hydrogen-Pro managing director Jarle Dragvik. © Hydrogen Pro / Tom Rills
Norwegian technology company Hydrogen Pro AS has completed the delivery of a 5,5 MW electrolyzer to Mitsubishi Heavy Industries' (MHI) Takasago Hydrogen Park. Located near Kobe, Japan, the Takasago Hydrogen Park is a validation center for hydrogen technology, encompassing everything from production to power generation. Hydrogen Pro signed the contract for the delivery of the electrolyzer to MHI, along with related engineering and project management services, in 2022. The electrolyzer was manufactured at Hydrogen Pro's new production facility in China and commissioned by MHI in August. MHI is currently working to develop and improve its hydrogen turbines, both co-firing and using only hydrogen, at the Takasago Park.
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Photos
iStock / © Danil Melekhin
