Green hydrogen affordable for everyone
Hydrogen panel presented at WoTS 2022
There is much talk in the media and politics about the role of hydrogen in the energy transition. But what is already possible in practice? And what specifications do you need to take into account when producing and applying hydrogen?
At the Hydrogen Square in hall 8 of World of Automation, visitors will get a glimpse into the technical kitchen of green hydrogen. One of the innovations on display here is the Hydrogen Panel by Comate, KU Leuven and the Province of Flemish Brabant. A panel that only needs sunlight and air (water vapour) to produce green hydrogen. Read more about this innovation on the website and register today as a visitor to WoTS 2022!
Hydrogen has been heralded as the solution for the future for years, but was still too expensive. Until recently, green hydrogen was only generated via green electricity. However, these are expensive installations and are more interesting for large capacities, such as wind farms. This is changing thanks to the collaboration between Comate, KU Leuven and the Province: The development of an affordable hydrogen panel that only needs sunlight and air (water vapour) to produce green H2.
The revolutionary technology that converts water vapour directly into hydrogen, developed by researchers at KU Leuven, is unique in the world, but is currently not yet ready for scaling up. For the translation of the prototype into a successful industrialised product, KU Leuven is counting on the technical and design expertise of Comate. The engineering company has a track record in developing high-quality technical products and translates ideas into a success in the market.
With these panels, private individuals will be able to generate hydrogen themselves in the future, which they can use to heat their homes and provide them with electricity. It can be stored and used to charge electric cars. This also offers opportunities for companies. For example, transport companies could run their fleet on self-generated H2. In terms of compactness and use, the panel will be similar to the familiar solar panels. The control will optimize the yield and perform the necessary measurements.
The project was awarded an innovation subsidy by the province of Flemish Brabant. “It is an innovative project with a clear market potential, based on a collaboration between companies, knowledge institutions and other actors,” says Ann Schevenels, deputy for economy. Hydrogen panels are a unique technology, which offers completely new economic and social possibilities.
The hydrogen panels will be presented to the general public during WoTS 2022 at the Waterstofplein in hall 8, World of Automation.
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