The recent Hydrogen Technology Expo, held in Delhi, has illuminated the critical role of innovative solutions in modernising hydrogen production and scaling up green hydrogen applications in India. During the event, Nornickel, a prominent supplier of base and precious metals, presented their pioneering palladium-based developments to Indian experts, highlighting the potential to enhance the efficiency of green hydrogen production in the country.
India’s significance in the development of hydrogen energy cannot be understated, with projections indicating the production of at least 5 million tonnes of pure hydrogen per year by 2030, and a staggering 25 million tonnes by 2050 required to fuel various sectors such as transport, steel, and ammonia production. Meeting these ambitious targets necessitates embracing cutting-edge technologies and solutions to revolutionise hydrogen production.
Nornickel’s expertise in palladium, known as a critical metal of the future, has been demonstrated through the company’s research and development at the Palladium Technology Centre. The unique chemical properties of palladium enable the splitting of hydrogen molecules into atoms, allowing for the production of ultra-pure hydrogen. Moreover, palladium membranes play a pivotal role in this process, enabling easy gas recovery at low temperatures and demonstrating a significant increase in membrane throughput in the production of ultra-pure hydrogen.
The prototypes developed by Nornickel have undergone successful testing in Russia, exhibiting superior performance compared to existing commercial analogues. For instance, the application of palladium in a tubular membrane has shown a substantial fourfold increase in membrane throughput, while a catalyst for an electrolyzer with 30% palladium has increased its activity by a factor of three. These advancements underscore the efficiency gains that palladium-based catalysts offer across the hydrogen production chain, from electrolysis to fuel cell applications.
Anna Karzhavina, Head of Commercialisation of New Products at Nornickel, emphasised the versatility of palladium-based innovations in the hydrogen energy industry, particularly in enhancing productivity and expanding the use of green hydrogen. She also expressed Nornickel’s openness to collaborate with Indian companies involved in hydrogen production to integrate palladium-based prototypes into their processes.
As India continues to spearhead the advancement of hydrogen energy, the integration of innovative solutions such as Nornickel’s palladium developments holds significant promise in driving the country towards its ambitious hydrogen production targets.
In conclusion, the 2024 Hydrogen Technology Expo has provided a platform for industry leaders, experts, and stakeholders to engage in meaningful discussions and explore ground-breaking technologies that are vital in shaping India’s hydrogen industry. Nornickel’s presentation of palladium innovations serves as a compelling testament to the potential for driving efficiency and scalability in India’s green hydrogen production.
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