As a water and wastewater treatment professional, I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of environmental stewardship and innovative energy solutions. Recently, I’ve been exploring the exciting potential of the hydrogen economy and how it could transform the way we think about resource recovery from wastewater. Let me take you on a journey through this emerging field and uncover the remarkable possibilities it holds.
The Rise of the Hydrogen Economy
The transition to a hydrogen economy has been gaining momentum for some time, but it’s been brought into sharper focus in the wake of the United Nations climate change conference, COP26. Governments and industries around the globe are now ramping up their investments and strategies to harness the power of hydrogen as a clean, sustainable energy source.
In the US, the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has dedicated billions to advance hydrogen technologies. Across the pond, the UK has set a target to produce 5 gigawatts (GW) of hydrogen by 2030, with plans for 20-35% of the country’s energy to be hydrogen-based by 2050. The European Union has also outlined its Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate Neutral Europe, aiming to build up to 40GW of hydrogen capacity by 2030.
The allure of hydrogen is clear – it’s a versatile fuel that, when produced using renewable energy, can contribute significantly to decarbonizing our economy. But the path to a fully-fledged hydrogen economy is not without its challenges. Questions remain around the scale, resources, and timelines for large-scale hydrogen production, distribution, and end-use.
Wastewater Treatment: A Surprising Link to Hydrogen Production
As I delved deeper into this topic, I discovered a surprising connection between the water sector and the hydrogen economy. Water and Sewerage Companies (WASCs) may hold the key to unlocking new opportunities for sustainable hydrogen production.
One of the clearest links lies in the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. By utilizing the final effluent from wastewater treatment plants as a non-potable source of water, WASCs can generate hydrogen through this process, while also producing a valuable by-product – pure oxygen. This oxygen can then be recycled back into the wastewater treatment process, enhancing the efficiency of aerobic treatment and potentially reducing nitrous oxide emissions.
But the water sector’s involvement with hydrogen doesn’t stop there. Researchers are exploring several other pathways by which WASCs could produce hydrogen, including:
- Ammonia Pathway: Leveraging the production of ammonia from wastewater sludge as an intermediate step towards hydrogen.
- Advanced Thermal Treatment (ATT) Pathway: Utilizing high-temperature processes to extract hydrogen from wastewater sludge.
- Biogas Pathways: Generating hydrogen from the biogas produced during anaerobic digestion of wastewater sludge.
While the production potential of these pathways may be limited by factors like sludge availability or treatment preferences, the Final Effluent (FE) pathway stands out as an exciting opportunity that is independent of sludge and constrained only by the availability of final effluent and renewable electricity.
Why Should the Water Sector Engage with Hydrogen?
As WASCs grapple with their own significant carbon emissions associated with treatment and related activities, the hydrogen economy presents an enticing prospect. Many water companies have already published net-zero roadmaps that cite hydrogen as a potential solution for decarbonizing their operations, particularly in the realm of heavy-duty transportation.
Recovering hydrogen from wastewater and sludge could further the transition towards a more circular economy, introducing new revenue streams from resources traditionally considered waste. In the UK, for example, the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) provides financial incentives for the production of renewable fuels, including hydrogen.
Beyond the potential for revenue, some of the hydrogen production pathways can actually enhance wastewater and sludge treatment processes. For instance, the FE pathway’s ability to provide pure oxygen as a replacement for air in aerobic treatment can improve efficiency and reduce nitrous oxide emissions – a potent greenhouse gas.
Navigating the Challenges and Opportunities
While the opportunities are compelling, the path to integrating the water sector with the hydrogen economy is not without its complexities. Developing overarching company and sector-level hydrogen strategies is crucial to managing the uncertainty and unlocking the full potential.
One of the key considerations is determining how WASCs can best utilize the hydrogen they produce. Internal demand for hydrogen, such as in the decarbonization of heavy-duty sludge transport, is a logical starting point. However, the commercial availability and supporting infrastructure for hydrogen-powered vehicles are still limited, presenting some challenges.
Exporting hydrogen to generate revenue is another viable option, but the transportation and storage of hydrogen pose significant logistical hurdles. The geographic location of wastewater treatment works and sludge treatment centers will be crucial in determining the export potential, at least until a more robust national hydrogen infrastructure, such as dedicated pipelines, is established.
Navigating the regulatory landscape and identifying the appropriate governmental financial incentives will also be crucial in shaping the business case for WASCs to invest in hydrogen production. The rewards and risks will vary globally, depending on the national policies and support mechanisms in place.
Jacobs’ Role in Supporting the Water Sector’s Hydrogen Journey
As a leading provider of water and wastewater treatment services, Jacobs has been at the forefront of exploring the intersection between the water sector and the emerging hydrogen economy. Our team of experts has been actively engaged in unpacking the complexities and identifying the strategic opportunities for WASCs to capitalize on this transformative shift.
Through a series of thought leadership pieces, we’ve aimed to shed light on the various hydrogen production pathways, their potential, and the unique considerations for the water industry. From the Final Effluent (FE) pathway to the Ammonia, Advanced Thermal Treatment (ATT), and Biogas pathways, we’ve delved into the nuances and highlighted the risks and rewards for WASCs.
But our role doesn’t stop at analysis; we’re actively partnering with clients like Anglian Water to integrate hydrogen production into demonstration projects, exploring innovative ways to maximize the efficiency and environmental benefits. By combining our deep understanding of wastewater treatment with our expertise in emerging energy technologies, we’re helping to pave the way for the water sector to become an integral part of the hydrogen economy.
The Future is Bright, but the Journey Requires Collaboration
As I reflect on the potential of the water sector to contribute to the rise of the hydrogen economy, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and optimism. The synergies between wastewater treatment and hydrogen production are undeniable, and the environmental and economic benefits are compelling.
However, the path forward is not without its challenges. Developing robust hydrogen strategies, navigating the regulatory landscape, and overcoming the logistical hurdles will require collaboration across the water industry, government, and the broader energy sector.
At Alpha Wastewater, we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation. By leveraging our expertise, forging strategic partnerships, and embracing the spirit of innovation, we’re determined to help the water sector seize the opportunities presented by the hydrogen economy.
The future may be uncertain, but one thing is clear: the water sector is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable, energy-efficient, and environmentally-conscious world. I, for one, can’t wait to see what the next chapter holds.