Manufacturing serves as one of the foundations of modern economies, fostering innovation, economic growth, and technological innovation worldwide. In the UK, manufacturing alone contributes £224bn each year to the economy, representing nine per cent of the total GDP[1]. However, beyond its financial significance, the manufacturing sector is also essential in tackling some of the most urgent environmental issues, especially those related to sustainability and climate change. As industries globally work to minimise their carbon emissions, cleaner alternatives have become increasingly important, with low-carbon hydrogen being one of the most promising solutions.
Hydrogen is becoming a crucial factor in the transition to more sustainable manufacturing methods. On one hand, hydrogen can act as a direct fuel replacement for processes traditionally reliant on fossil fuels, which significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions. On the other hand, hydrogen is versatile enough to be used in both high-heat manufacturing applications, such as steel and cement production, and in powering fuel cells that support heavy industrial equipment. This versatility makes hydrogen not just a transitional fuel, but a potentially permanent solution for decarbonising industrial sectors.
Hydrogen is pivotal in advancing sustainable manufacturing due to its adaptability as both a fuel and a power source. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen’s combustion emits only water vapour, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This unique property allows it to replace fossil fuels in high-heat applications like steel and cement production, where few alternatives exist. Additionally, hydrogen can power fuel cells, offering an efficient, clean energy source for heavy industrial equipment. This versatility makes hydrogen not just a transitional fuel, but a potentially permanent solution for decarbonising industrial sectors.
Furthermore, global hydrogen production is expected to reach 60 million tons by 2030[2], largely driven by the need to transform industrial processes and reduce carbon footprints. As production ramps up, hydrogen's capability to provide low-carbon energy without releasing greenhouse gases highlights its role as a cornerstone in a sustainable energy strategy.
Challenges of hydrogen adoption: the hydrogen wear phenomenon
The widespread adoption of hydrogen in manufacturing is not without its challenges. One of the most critical issues is the impact of hydrogen on the machinery and engines used in industrial processes. Hydrogen can cause significant wear and tear on equipment, leading to material degradation over time. This degradation, often referred to as ‘hydrogen wear’, reduces the efficiency and lifespan of machinery, resulting in increased waste and resource consumption. If left unaddressed this could limit the environmental benefits that hydrogen offers by negating some of the carbon reduction gains through the need for frequent replacements and repairs.
Solutions for managing hydrogen wear: advanced materials and lubricants
Managing hydrogen wear is essential if manufacturers are to fully leverage the potential of hydrogen as a clean energy source and contribute meaningfully to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. One of the most effective ways to do so is through the implementation of advanced materials and technical lubricants that can withstand hydrogen’s corrosive effects. By investing in these innovations, manufacturers can enhance the durability and performance of their equipment, leading to a range of benefits that support both economic efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Using more resilient materials and environmentally friendly lubricants can significantly extend the lifespan of machinery, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This not only cuts down on manufacturing waste but also conserves the resources required to produce new equipment.
In addition to this, fewer breakdowns and repairs translate to less downtime and lower maintenance costs, making hydrogen-powered operations more economically viable for businesses. Ultimately, this approach reduces overall resource consumption and helps minimise the carbon footprint of industrial operations, contributing to a more sustainable manufacturing sector.
Scaling hydrogen production: infrastructure and investment needs
Current hydrogen production methods, such as renewable-powered electrolysis, show promise but need significant scaling to meet the projected demand. Establishing a cost-effective, reliable hydrogen supply chain will require considerable investment in production, storage, and distribution infrastructure. Expanding infrastructure is essential for ensuring that hydrogen can be seamlessly integrated into the manufacturing sector.
For hydrogen to fulfil its potential, industry and government collaboration will be crucial to fund and implement necessary infrastructure. This infrastructure development will not only support manufacturing but also lay the groundwork for a broader hydrogen economy, positioning the manufacturing sector as a pioneer in sustainable energy transition.
A vision for the future: hydrogen and the path to a low-carbon economy
As global industries move towards cleaner energy sources, hydrogen represents both an opportunity and a challenge for the manufacturing sector. By investing in technologies that address hydrogen wear and advocating for sustainable practices, manufacturers can lead the charge in reducing carbon emissions. Innovations in hydrogen production, material resilience, and industrial practices are pivotal to ensuring hydrogen's long-term role as a clean energy source.
Transitioning to hydrogen not only aids environmental efforts but also strengthens the resilience of manufacturing businesses in the face of increasing environmental regulations and consumer demand for sustainable products. The success of hydrogen could establish a new standard for industrial sustainability, marking a critical step toward a low-carbon future where manufacturing aligns with global environmental goals.
Leyla Alieva, CEO and co-founder of NEOL Copper Technologies
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