GE Vernova and Next Hydrogen plan to integrate Next Hydrogen's electrolysis technology with GE Vernova's power systems to generate green hydrogen using renewable energy.
Through the collaboration, the companies reportedly said they want to pioneer advanced power systems in alignment with Next Hydrogen's new electrolyzers, scheduled to launch in 2024.
Electrolysis is used to create green hydrogen by splitting water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, and the process requires a significant amount of reliable electricity. GE Vernova’s DC power systems, which incorporate renewable energy, will be used to power Next Hydrogen’s electrolyzers. Beyond this power source, GE Vernova will also provide synchronous condensers, energy storage, motors and drives for compressions and water, and controls with Energy Management to support green hydrogen generation.
Green hydrogen is used for eFuels and ammonia products, which are often used to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. It is also known for supporting renewable energy sources by storing and carrying energy.
"We are poised to drive the hydrogen revolution and contribute to decarbonization in diverse market segments, such as industrial gas, power, marine, and (oil and gas) industries by delivering turnkey systems that seamlessly incorporate Next Hydrogen electrolyzers," said Rodrigo Elias, general manager North America for GE Vernova’s Power Conversion business.
Hydrogen production has reportedly grown by three times since 1975, but green hydrogen has gained attention in recent years for meeting rising demand without causing emissions in production.
Hydrogen itself is a zero-emissions fuel, but in order for hydrogen to be considered “green,” it has to be generated using renewable energy. At present, most hydrogen is generated using fossil fuels, especially natural gas, but efforts to scale-up electrolyzer production may allow for renewable energy to drive the majority of hydrogen generation.
The International Energy Agency has identified hydrogen’s momentum and potential as a widely-used clean energy source, but large-scale creation of renewables-powered electrolyzers will reportedly be needed to meet hydrogen demand while lowering emissions caused by production. Citing declining costs of renewables, the IEA said that interest is growing in electrolytic hydrogen, and a number of green hydrogen projects have been recently announced.
Earlier this month, Duke Energy revealed plans to create a demonstration project that will create 100% green hydrogen, powered by solar energy. In October, Hystar also announced plans to open a 4 gigawatt electrolyzer factory in 2025, with expectations to expand into North America with a multi-gigawatt factory in 2027.
