Vinçotte provides solutions for hydrogen projects from start to finish
Hydrogen is a key pillar of the European Green deal and in July 2020, the European Commission proposed a hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe. More than €25 billion has already been reserved for this. The desire to become independent of Russian gas is going to further accelerate the conversion of gas to hydrogen.
Hydrogen can be used as a raw material, as a fuel or as an energy carrier and storage medium; it has many potential applications in industry, transport, energy and construction. Most importantly, its use emits no CO2 and almost no air pollution if the hydrogen is made with e.g., electrolysis based on renewable energy. It thus offers a solution for decarbonising industrial processes and economic sectors where reducing carbon emissions is urgent but also difficult to achieve. All this makes hydrogen essential to support the EU's drive to be carbon neutral by 2050 and the global effort to implement the Paris Climate Agreement and aim for climate neutrality.
The question now, of course, is how to get started as a company.
That is where Vinçotte can help you. We guide our clients throughout the entire life phase of a hydrogen project.
From concept and business case to engineering. From procurement to construction and finally the commissioning and operation of a new installation. But many existing plants will also have to be converted to work with hydrogen. And there it is also important to thoroughly examine the safety and environmental aspects.
An important first step is to properly understand what needs to be done and by whom, in order to achieve a plant that complies with applicable standards and regulations. This is particularly important for hydrogen, given the risks associated with hydrogen and in a constantly evolving regulatory framework. To this end, Vinçotte has developed a specific tool, namely the C&C study.
In addition, Vinçotte has 3 teams of specialists available to help you further develop specific parts related to the hydrogen plant.
Because with an explosion force of 3x that of natural gas, we are dealing with an installation that it is better not to take risks with.
Team 1 specialises in environmental safety. Vinçotte is recognised in Belgium as an expert for drawing up the legally required environmental safety report.
Team 2 works on risk analysis methods such as HAZOP for hydrogen. It determines the risk of explosions and how to reduce them with preventive measures. Because hydrogen is transported or stored under high pressure, the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) or the Belgian Gas Act also applies. And so here too, Vinçotte's recognition as a notified body and accredited organism is crucial. To work safely with hydrogen, the structural integrity of the pressure-bearing parts of the installation is also very important.
Team 3 is formed by specialists working on the procedures and processes to prove the origin and carbon footprint of the hydrogen produced. And this is necessary because with fossil-fuel-based grey hydrogen we can obviously not make the energy transition.
Vinçotte has been helping clients with hydrogen H2 questions for several years and has built up unique expertise around hydrogen energy, safety and the environment.
This blog first appeared in August 2022 and is regularly updated. Also read our other blog posts on hydrogen:
- environmental safety of hydrogen plants
- risk assessments for hydrogen projects
- origin and carbon footprint, claim sustainability of produced hydrogen
Also check out our article on the future of hydrogen plants, first published in the June 2023 issue of Hydrogen Tech World.
