Just when we thought all we had was green and blue hydrogen as an energy source, Japan unveiled a totally new source of energy called turquoise hydrogen. It is 100% clean and long-lasting. This is not to say green or blue, particularly green, hydrogen is bad; however, turquoise hydrogen is cleaner and easier to produce, and another key factor is that it is cost-efficient.
In a world fighting to have sustainability in the next few years, anything that can be proven to reduce carbon emissions is given all the attention. A Japanese industrial machinery maker, Ebara, is working on this new development and has a goal to commercialise it by 2026. It probably sounds too soon; however, if they manage to get everything aligned, we are looking at having a sustainable environment sooner than we probably expected.
Understanding the special and limitless potential of turquoise hydrogen
Firstly, let me give you a brief explanation of green and blue hydrogen to fully comprehend why turquoise hydrogen is the elite one now. According to Fuel Cells Works, green hydrogen is classified as a renewable energy that is produced cleanly and does not emit emissions; however, it is expensive because it needs a lot of energy to be produced.
Blue hydrogen, on the other hand, is unclean. In order to produce it, fossil fuel energy resources are utilised, which of course is against what we are striving and working for as a global community. The biggest obstacle to hydrogen development has been the lack of adequate infrastructure for it to be used to its fullest potential. Turquoise hydrogen is special because it uses a process called methane pyrolysis.
The methane is found in biogas and natural gas through a process known as pyrolysis. Japan is working hard to ensure this hydrogen type is pushed because it does not have a trace of carbon dioxide and that is why it is appealing to researchers and manufacturers. Japan is one of those countries that are seeking to leverage their renewable energy standards, and turquoise hydrogen is the perfect alternative.
Why Japan is setting the standard: A calculated step towards decarbonisation
This move by Japan is more than sustainability or finding a clean and infinitely renewable resource; it is also to set the standard so that it stands out globally. It wants to ensure other countries and regions can learn from it, import from it, and follow suit with what it is doing to bring forth turquoise hydrogen. The country has long held on to nuclear energy and fossil fuels; therefore, discovering this hydrogen type of energy marks a significant time for them.
It will be easy because Japan has good international relationships
Japan has good relationships with Australia, the United States, and the Middle East; therefore, they will not struggle with the supply of methane or other natural gases needed. It is because of these relationships that they are able to have a strong foundation, not only for the production of clean energy but for backup support too in case they face obstacles along the way to implement the project to its fullest capacity.
In a research report by Fuel Cells Works, it states that the Tokyo-based business has partnered with materials manufacturer Taiyo Koko, Shizuoka University, and the National Institute for Materials Science. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organisation, supported by the government, is in charge of commissioning the project.
The current process uses a single reactor to extract both carbon and hydrogen. In order to obtain various forms of solid carbon without affecting hydrogen output, Ebara seeks to extract them independently. The good part of this all is that we do not need to worry about the release of carbon emissions and the cost that comes with producing other energies such as blue, grey, and/or green hydrogen.