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In a constantly evolving world, engineering plays a fundamental role in seeking innovative solutions to address current environmental challenges. But what role does hydrogen play in this equation?
Hydrogen emerges as a key player in the transition to a low-carbon economy across the American continent. From the United States and Canada to all of Latin America, its potential to reduce or eliminate emissions in hard-to-abate sectors positions it as a catalyst for change in the global energy landscape.
From Canada to Argentina, a powerful revolution is brewing. Countries are leveraging their diverse resources to produce clean hydrogen, reshaping the continent's energy landscape with technological innovation: Advances per country:
Canada: With over 80 low-carbon projects and $100 billion in potential investments, Canada aspires to be a world leader in hydrogen, driving scientific and technological development with innovation centers in Edmonton, Vancouver, and southern Ontario.
United States: Initiatives like the Matagorda plant in Texas and the California hydrogen highway are paving the way for a hydrogen-powered future, fueled by federal incentives and state-level technological advancements.
Mexico: Currently identifies 19 plants producing gray hydrogen (J. Fortuna, 2023), most of which use it for self-consumption as a raw material for different processes.
Brazil: Entering large-scale production with a green hydrogen plant scheduled to produce 10,000 tons annually, using the latest technology in renewable energy and storage.
Colombia: Greening its industries with a pilot project at the Cartagena refinery that leverages advanced technologies for the daily production of renewable hydrogen.
Peru: Joint initiatives with Chile to promote hydrogen could enhance regional cooperation and investment opportunities in hydrogen production, benefiting Peru's economy.
Chile: With its world-class solar and wind potential, it is positioned to become a major hydrogen exporter by 2030, supported by research initiatives to optimize the use of renewable energy.
Argentina: Projects to produce 5 million tons of low-emission hydrogen annually by 2050, thanks to its strong focus on research and development of new production and storage technologies.
Hydrogen production promises a cleaner energy future but brings significant engineering challenges:
Electrolysis: Requires optimizing efficiency and scaling up operations through the development of high-efficiency and robust electrolyzers.
Storage and transport: Demands the development of advanced technologies for compression, liquefaction, and innovative materials to overcome the low volumetric energy density of hydrogen.
Safety: Needs systems to prevent leaks and mitigate the risks associated with the high flammability of hydrogen, integrating advanced sensors and resistant materials.
Durability: Development of components that can withstand the corrosive nature of hydrogen, using advanced coatings and alloys.
To tackle these complex problems, engineers are turning to advanced research tools: Engineering Village: Provides access to a vast database of technical literature, helping professionals stay at the forefront of hydrogen technologies and learn from global research efforts. Learn more about Engineering Village. opens in new tab/window Knovel: Offers critical engineering data and interactive tools, enabling precise calculations for material selection, process optimization, and safety analysis in hydrogen systems. Its extensive material property databases are invaluable for selecting corrosion-resistant components. These powerful resources empower engineers to innovate, solving the intricate puzzles of efficient, safe, and scalable hydrogen production. They facilitate rapid prototyping and simulation, accelerating the development cycle. Learn more about Knovel. opens in new tab/window
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At Elsevier, we offer solutions where you can explore and collaborate on innovation and technological development projects related to hydrogen's impact in America and its potential in the global value chain. As we push the boundaries of clean energy, tools like Engineering Village and Knovel are accelerating progress, turning the hydrogen economy from vision to reality by providing engineers with the knowledge and data necessary to overcome these challenges.
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