The sky’s the limit for hydrogen production. Or perhaps its potential extends well beyond even that. Honda R&D Co. Ltd recently announced plans to test its high-differential pressure water electrolysis system at the International Space Station (ISS). In collaboration with Sierra Space and Tec-Masters, this project forms part of Honda’s vision for a regenerative fuel cell system that could provide advanced energy storage that is capable of supporting human life on the lunar surface.
Honda is using its hydrogen fuel cell technology expertise to develop a circulative renewable energy system that will continuously produce oxygen, hydrogen, and electricity. During the lunar day, the system will use electricity generated by the sun to power the process. Honda’s high-differential pressure water electrolysis system will then produce hydrogen and oxygen from water. During the lunar night, some of the oxygen will be used for astronauts to breathe, while the remaining oxygen, along with the hydrogen produced during the day, will be used to generate electricity. After electricity is generated, the water that is produced as a byproduct will be recycled back into the water electrolysis system to create a closed-loop energy cycle.
Honda is now set to test the core part of its system to verify its efficiency and reliability in the microgravity environment of the ISS.
Back in the ‘normal gravity’ environment of planet Earth, the Global Hydrogen Review team had the pleasure of learning about – and meeting the teams behind – a wide array of other, equally innovative, hydrogen technologies at the recent World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It was great to reconnect with some familiar faces and meet a wide range of new companies driving progress in the global hydrogen economy. Next up, we’ll be exhibiting at the Hydrogen Tech Expo North America in Houston, Texas (stand 1070) amidst a more uncertain environment for clean energy in the US. Donald Trump’s flagship tax and spending legislation plans to cut tax credits for the sector, including the termination of the 45V hydrogen production tax credit. If 45V is terminated, Wood Mackenzie estimates that 95% of the 3.4 million tpy of green hydrogen capacity announced in the US would be at risk. Hector Areola, Principal Analyst, Wood Mackenzie, said: “Developers [would] face a critical decision: either accelerate their projects to meet the new deadline or risk losing the tax credit entirely. The ongoing regulatory uncertainty threatens to stagnate the low-carbon hydrogen industry in the US and could potentially alter the landscape for clean hydrogen globally.”1
The sheer volume of exhibitors and delegates at trade shows such as the World Hydrogen Summit and Hydrogen Tech Expo North America is testament to the vital role that hydrogen has to play in helping the world to meet its decarbonisation goals. It also serves as clear evidence of strong support for the sector from industry. This needs to be matched by governments the world over to ensure that the sector can fulfil its enormous potential. As Honda is proving, if we shoot for the stars, we might just land on the Moon.
