Segrate (Milan), March 20, 2025
Decarbonization has become a key part of addressing climate change. It is the process of switching from fossil fuels such as oil and coal to more environmentally friendly and renewable sources. Green hydrogen is part of the transformation process, as it is also considered an alternative that reduces emissions and cares for the planet.
The decarbonization of the planet has been an objective that all countries around the world have set for 2050. Green hydrogen production is a technology that is based on a transformation that happens through electrolysis. With this process, the IEA estimates that it will be possible to save 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide if this gas is created using fossil fuels.
Hydrogen in an abundant and light chemical substance that can be found almost anywhere and is formed by the molecules H2. Hydrogen is also not available on earth in its isolated form; instead, it must be produced using various applications and technologies.
How do green hydrogen Electrolysers work? They use an electrical current to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in water. This means electricity can be obtained from renewable sources, and therefore, energy can be produced without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
The Need for Decarbonization in Hard-to-Abate Industries
Hard-to-abate means something is difficult to eliminate or reduce. It specifically refers to situations where some challenges may arise in lessening or mitigating a problem’s impact. This is often due to high costs in technical limitations or complex systematic factors in the solution. An example of a hard-to-abate sector is the cement industry because there are very few technologies that can be used to reduce its carbon footprint.
This also means the electrification process can be difficult to implement in such a case. Electrification isn’t a complete solution for most of these industries because many of their processes require high-temperature heat, which has been seen to be difficult to achieve directly with electricity. As much as electrification could play a role, it may not solve the problems these industries pose.
According to current data, hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals contribute about 20 to 30% of the total global carbon emissions. This is due to their dependence on fossil fuels and complex protection processes, which result in a major challenge in achieving the climate goals.
Green Hydrogen as a Key Solution for Industrial Decarbonization
Green hydrogen supports hard-to-abate industries by providing renewable, clean energy sources that can be used in industrial processes. This is particularly true for sectors such as chemical production, steelmaking, and oil refining. Direct electrification is possible, allowing for a significant reduction of carbon emissions without changing the production method.
FRIEM designs and manufactures high-quality power supply units (PSUs) to power electrolyzers in green hydrogen production. Our PSU systems pair with electrolytic cells technologies such as Alkaline, PEM, and SOEC.
We deliver the system fully equipped with a DC no-load isolator, a rectifier transformer, a thyristor rectifier, a heat exchanger, a polarization rectifier, a cooling and control cabinet, and a power factor compensation with a harmonic filtering system, which commonly depends on the client’s powering requirements.
To ensure a minimized footprint, FRIEM has a simplified on-site setup that can be fully assembled and ready to use in no time. This offers one-stop, ready-to-use rectifier systems that permit large-scale electrolysis.
Green hydrogen for industrial carbonization offers a direct replacement for fossil fuels, flexibility in energy storage, and an application process for steel making. Green hydrogen can be transported and stored over long distances, making it an excellent option for industries that experience a fluctuation in energy demand. Additionally, green hydrogen has no direct carbon dioxide emissions. Unlike fossil fuels, when green hydrogen is used in industrial processes, it produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a clean energy source.
Steel manufacturing
H2-DRI is a process that utilizes hydrogen to reduce iron ore during the iron production process. It’s considered a best practice for reducing greenhouse emissions. Overall in steel production green hydrogen is more of a reducing agent that cuts out carbon emissions in the steel manufacturing process. The steel manufacturing process is a major source of industrial greenhouse gases.
Cement Production
The calcination process in the kiln is an essential component in the production of cement, especially when producing clinker. It is also a major source of carbon dioxide emissions. The decomposition of limestone causes this as it turns into lime and then carbon dioxide. It is also due to the combustion of fossil fuels that reach high temperatures for a reaction to happen.
Green hydrogen that can be produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources offers a clean alternative. When coupled with cement manufacturing, it will serve a dual purpose, which is:
- A raw material for chemical reactions in the production of clinker
- A fuel for high-temperature processes
Chemical Industry
Green hydrogen is a direct substitute for fossil fuels in the production of ammonia (fertilizer) or methanol (chemical feedstock). This means it significantly reduces emissions for production processes.
Heavy Transport
Hydrogen-powered transport technology is the future seeing that green hydrogen can help with the transformation. This means there will be a reduction in emissions. The heavy transport sector could look into options such as hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs) rather than battery electric trucks (BETs). FCETs are advantageous because they ensure zero emissions, the vehicle has a longer range, they allow for faster refueling, and they also have a high energy density.
Future Outlook: How Green Hydrogen Can Transform Industry
Multiple concerns have been raised about the production of green hydrogen due to its high cost. However, it is believed that it will be eliminated as the earth’s transformation progresses, making the generation of renewable energy cheaper.
Hydrogen has become the best replacement for fossil fuels in the hard-to-abate industry. This is due to its high energy density. Additionally, hydrogen has no emissions when consumed and is efficient and quiet. Hydrogen is an essential element for the transformation process in the energy system. It also seems to have a proposal for a low-cost option for the storage of electricity. Furthermore, it also moves energy from renewables over long distances and can be used as an energy carrier in sectors such as transportation.
Hydrogen is an excellent option as the world tackles climate change. The idea is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions through energy transition, and green hydrogen has been recognized globally as an enabler in reaching the zero-emission goal by 2050. Technological advancements are also an enabler in the transition process, as this will ensure that green hydrogen can be implemented effectively.
To ensure a smooth transition in industries as they embrace green hydrogen technology, it’s essential for them to prioritize investing in electrolysis technology. Electrolysis technology is powered by renewable energy substances such as wind and solar energy and works by optimizing energy consumption to integrate green hydrogen similarly into already existing processes. This means industries should have a multifaceted approach that includes policy support, strategic partnerships, and technological advancements to ensure a swift switch.
Properly integrating green hydrogen into the industry will ensure a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. This means the long-term goal of a hydrogen-based economy can be reached as long as the systems can be successfully implemented. Industries can start looking into electrolysis technology, which allows them to select the appropriate electrolyzer type, integrate with renewable energy sources, and optimize electrolysis operations.
The different types of green hydrogen power converters are excellent devices that assist in converting electrical energy into a direct current. This means that electrolyzers can be powered with ease by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. Efficient power conversion is an essential element in green hydrogen production as it minimizes energy losses during the electrolysis process. This means that the cost of production is reduced while enhancing the sustainability of green hydrogen as a clean energy source.
To ensure a greener world, industries must invest in the necessary infrastructure that allows green hydrogen to become the main power system in electrolysis. Industries should not look at the transitional process in the short term but give themselves long-term goals to transform processes within their production processes.
FRIEM has invested greatly in high-power converters and hydrogen production solutions. The company has been operating in the global power converter market for over 70 years and has a long history of exceptional entrepreneurship and innovation. FRIEM has also developed industry solutions through green hydrogen.
The company understands that hydrogen is an essential energy vector that allows for the transitioning and decarbonization of energy systems. We’ve also realized that hydrogen is a versatile component, especially for a sustainable future. That makes us an excellent option to assist industries in unlocking clean energy transitions and providing the necessary technology.
