HYDROGEN
Hydrogen energy is an important piece of the puzzle to decarbonizing New Mexico’s economy. Many hard to decarbonize industries, such as long-haul trucking or certain manufacturing processes, would benefit from hydrogen to power their operations and decrease their carbon output. There is historic federal investment available for hydrogen development projects, and New Mexico must take advantage of this opportunity to diversify and decarbonize our economy. Companies such as Pajarito Powder, BayoTech, Somos Solar, Kairos Power, Libertad, Tallgrass and Australian-based Star Scientific Limited have already realized the value of New Mexico and are producing hydrogen right here. Some uses for hydrogen include:
Transportation: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) use hydrogen to generate electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen, producing water vapor as the only emission. FCVs offer a zero-emission alternative to traditional gasoline and diesel vehicles, with the added benefit of fast refueling times and longer driving ranges compared to battery electric vehicles. Hydrogen can also be used in hydrogen internal combustion engines (HICE) for transportation.
Electricity generation: Hydrogen fuel cells can be used to generate electricity for stationary power applications, such as backup power systems for buildings, telecommunications towers, and remote off-grid locations. Fuel cell systems can also be integrated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind to provide reliable and clean electricity generation.
Industrial processes: Hydrogen is widely used in various industrial processes, including petroleum refining, ammonia production, methanol production, and steel manufacturing. It can be used as a feedstock, a reducing agent, or a fuel in industrial applications, helping to reduce emissions and improve process efficiency.
Energy storage: Hydrogen can be used as a form of energy storage, particularly for surplus electricity generated from renewable sources like wind and solar. Excess electricity can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, which splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored and later converted back into electricity through fuel cells when needed.
Heating and cooking: Hydrogen can be used as a clean-burning fuel for residential and commercial heating systems, as well as for cooking appliances. Hydrogen combustion produces only water vapor as a byproduct, making it a potentially attractive option for reducing emissions from heating and cooking compared to fossil fuels like natural gas.
Maritime and aviation: Hydrogen has the potential to be used as a zero-emission fuel for maritime vessels and aircraft. Research and development efforts are underway to explore the feasibility of hydrogen-powered ships, ferries, and aircraft as part of efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector.
Space exploration: Hydrogen has a long history of use as a propellant in rockets and spacecraft due to its high energy density and efficient combustion properties. Liquid hydrogen is commonly used as rocket fuel in combination with liquid oxygen in space exploration missions.