Hydrogen production
The conversion of heavy oils and coal, along with the desulfurization of fuels, are triggering an increase in the demand for hydrogen. It is estimated that this demand could double by 2030.
IFP Energies nouvelles is working on two types of production: centralized and decentralized.
R&D in the field of centralized production is based on the HyGenSys concept studied by IFP Energies nouvelles, enabling the production of hydrogen and electricity from natural gas with lower CO2 emissions and a lower cost compared to existing technologies. A version of the process designed solely for hydrogen production (without the coproduction of electricity) is also being considered. At the same time, work is being conducted on capture using adsorbents of the CO2 resulting from hydrogen production.
The decentralized production technology developed by IFP Energies nouvelles consists in producing hydrogen from ethanol in smaller units. The hydrogen produced has the advantage of having a lower greenhouse gas content. The process that IFP Energies nouvelles is working on will be ready to market in 2011.
