Chapter 8 - Hydrogen from Electrolysis

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance of using electrolysis for the production of hydrogen. Electrolysis of water is a viable alternative to the common practice of reforming hydrocarbon fossil fuels for today's industrial gas markets and for tomorrow's energy markets. Several companies, including Proton Energy Systems, are pursuing electrolysis technologies and products for a few simple reasons. Firstly, when derived from water, which has no carbon impurities, electrolytic hydrogen is chemically perfect for fuel cells. Secondly, electrolysis is the only practical means of making fuel from renewable energy resources. Finally, electrolysis technologies are relatively mature as they are the basis for products that are already used commercially in today's industrial gas markets. Another key to the excellent economic basis for electrolytic hydrogen is that the hydrogen can be made onsite, that is, at or near the point of end use, thereby minimizing or eliminating transport costs. Most importantly, hydrogen from electrolysis links renewable resources to transportation energy markets in a practical way.