Converting waste into hydrogen is emerging as a new technology that will revolutionize the field of converting waste into clean fuel through thermal treatments.
The world seeks to benefit from huge amounts of waste by converting it into fuel using various treatment methods. In order to benefit from it instead of burying it, which may cause greater harm to the environment, according to what the specialized energy platform reviewed.
The most recent treatment method is to convert waste into hydrogen by taking advantage of the gas generated from the waste using a mechanism known as “thermal recycling,” according to what was published by the website. Energy News Energy News.
This comes at a time when global attention is focused on hydrogen as a clean energy source, motivated by its ability to mitigate harmful environmental impacts and contribute to a sustainable future.
How to convert waste into hydrogen
Waste-to-hydrogenation technology relies on partially converting primary waste into industrial gas (syngas) at high temperatures, into a more diverse range of end products, in what is known as “pyrolysis” or “gasification”.
This synthetic gas, which contains hydrogen, can then be used as fuel in various applications, including fuel cell vehicles.
Converting waste into hydrogen is also known as “waste-to-X”.
This technology is one of the alternative methods for producing emission-free or low-emission hydrogen that is gaining momentum day by day, with large amounts of waste.
The following design – prepared by the Specialized Energy Platform – shows the types of hydrogen according to the production method:
The volume of global waste is expected to rise from 2.1 billion tons per year to 3.4 billion tons per year by 2050, according to the specialized energy platform.
It should be noted that there are many technologies for converting waste into energy, and these methods include: capturing biogas resulting from the bacterial decomposition of organic materials in landfills at a low cost, and processing it into renewable natural gas.
Electricity can also be obtained from burning solid waste and using ash in the construction industry.
The UAE came at the forefront of the Arab countries in the field of converting waste into energy, as it opened the Sharjah station to completely divert waste away from landfills and exploit it, during the month of May 2023.
Heat treatment of waste
Treating waste to obtain fuel from it using heat is one way to benefit from this waste economically and environmentally, and this is what happens in the case of waste-to-hydrogen technology.
Many countries in the world have begun to establish plants to treat waste through what is known as thermal recycling. During the past year 2022, more than 2,600 waste treatment plants began operating worldwide, with a production capacity of about 460 million tons annually.
It should be noted that the urgent need to explore alternative waste treatment processes arose from the severe environmental consequences of burying organic waste.
Tons of organic waste and food scraps dumped in landfills – Photo from NBC News
For example, methane emissions from organic waste in landfills are about 25 times more harmful to the climate than carbon dioxide emissions; Which contributes significantly to the rise in global temperature.
This is why a developed country, such as Switzerland, where 100% of municipal waste undergoes thermal treatment, focuses on efficient recycling. This reduces the need for spaces to bury waste.
In contrast, retention of untreated waste by developing and emerging countries is still prevalent; Which contributes to about one-seventh of global methane emissions.
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2024-01-01 19:38:39
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