Many types of microalgae produce hydrogen naturally as a result of photosynthesis. This is one of the cleanest ways to generate hydrogen.
The yield, however, is not yet high enough to justify industrial-scale production. To develop this process, Linde has been involved in a research project at the University of Kiel in Germany aimed at developing this promising hydrogen production method for several years now.
Green algae and cyanobacteria need only light, water and carbon dioxide to produce hydrogen. With the help of light-absorbing mechanisms, the algae use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to generate oxygen and sugar. The sugar is then converted to starch or biomass. If the algae are deprived of oxygen, they use solar energy to create hydrogen instead.
This procedure shows great promise and could become a key milestone in the journey towards the sustainable production of hydrogen. After all, microorganisms in nature generate approximately 200 million tonnes of hydrogen each year, which is immediately consumed by other neighbouring single-cell organisms.
However, if microalgae were used to generate hydrogen on a large scale in controlled environments, it could be harnessed commercially.
| At a glance |
|---|
| Name: | Green hydrogen |
| Country: | Germany |
| Raw material: | Biomass |
| Process technology: | Photosynthesis |
| Cooperation partner: | Kiel University |
