The Sindh government in Pakistan has initiated a project with China to produce green hydrogen in Jambhir. However, the project has not yet reached a mature level where the produced hydrogen can be utilized as a fuel throughout Pakistan.
Promising Future for Green Hydrogen Technologies
Despite the project’s current stage, Najma Memon, a Professor at NCE in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, believes that Pakistan has taken a positive initiative towards sustainable hydrogen technologies. She emphasizes that the concept of eco-friendly hydrogen is relatively new in Pakistan, and the country’s strong ties with China, the world’s leading producer and user of hydrogen, present an excellent opportunity for collaboration.
Advantages of Green Hydrogen
Green hydrogen is a clean fuel that does not emit carbon, making it an environmentally friendly alternative. One of the significant advantages of sustainable hydrogen is that the energy sources used to produce it, such as solar and wind, are also ecofriendly, further contributing to sustainability.
Challenges and Potential Solutions
Najma Memon highlights that the full utilization of hydrogen faces challenges in terms of energy conversion and transportation. To convert hydrogen into energy, fuel cells are required, and academia can play a crucial role in advancing fuel cell technology through material research and testing.
Transportation is another aspect that needs consideration, as hydrogen cannot be simply transmitted like electricity through wires. To address this, pipeline infrastructure must be established, a process that will take time.
Cooperation with China
Najma Memon suggests that Pakistan should collaborate with China to develop green hydrogen-related technologies. China is currently a global leader in hydrogen production and usage, with advanced fuel cell and electrolyzer equipment for its manufacturing. Furthermore, China’s focus on domestic substitution of related materials and equipment has resulted in a decline in the cost of green hydrogen.
Example of Green Hydrogen Plant in China
A notable example of China’s progress in green hydrogen is the plant in Kuqa City, Xinjiang, constructed by Sinopec Group. This plant, which began operations recently, has the capacity to produce 20,000 metric tons of hydrogen annually. Importantly, all major equipment and materials used in the project, including photovoltaic modules, electrolytic cells, hydrogen storage tanks, and hydrogen transport pipelines, were locally produced.
In summary, Pakistan’s collaboration with China on green hydrogen technologies holds significant promise for the future, as both countries can benefit from each other’s expertise and advancements in the field. By leveraging China’s leading position in hydrogen production and technology, Pakistan can accelerate its progress towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
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