Presented on September 10, 2020, by Tim Lindsey – Senior Advisor, University of Illinois’ Smart Energy Design and Assistance Center.
Abstract: There is growing worldwide interest in developing and deploying new clean technologies to combat global warming. Great progress has been made with respect to the deployment of renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, but challenges persist with respect to intermittency and our inability to cost-effectively store energy generated during peak production for use when renewable energy production is not feasible. Similarly, vehicle electrification has emerged as a key strategy for achieving climate-related goals, but storing adequate energy in batteries has proven to be challenging for applications requiring large machines and extended operating periods.
The use of hydrogen as a medium to store, transport, and dispense energy has been around for decades but early versions of hydrogen technologies did not meet the expectations of users and investors. However, the potential for using hydrogen remains high and product developers have made great strides in recent years to improve the performance and economics of hydrogen-based technologies. Fuel cell-powered cars and buses are increasingly prevalent on the roads of California, Europe, and Asia and many countries have announced plans for wide-scale deployment. Additionally, new markets for hydrogen and fuel cell technologies are emerging in new sectors because they are difficult to decarbonize by other means. Industries such as; trucking, rail, maritime, aviation, steel production and industrial heating now show great promise for hydrogen-based technologies. With the development of these markets, it is projected that hydrogen could become a $130-$170 billion dollar a year industry in the U.S. by 2050. These emerging hydrogen and fuel cells markets present a unique opportunity to stimulate economic growth and improve environmental health.
This presentation discussed recent trends with respect to hydrogen production and utilization technologies. Private sector hydrogen investments and technology deployment were discussed along with opportunities to engage in hydrogen research at the University of Illinois and throughout the Midwest.
Note: Any mention of companies and products is not an endorsement by the University of Illinois or any of its sub units.
Download slides: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/108370