The way hydrogen is being perceived in South Korea has changed quite dramatically. A breakthrough that has resulted in hydrogen that’s differently coloured and is cheaper to produce as compared to most. This is more than only a revelation for how clean energy happens to be looked at in the world; however, this also poses quite a threat to the long strides that are being taken in America.
A new era as well as shade for hydrogen in Korea
Pioneering researchers have unveiled this new development to much praise. A high-efficiency methane pyrolysis process that happens to capture hydrogen but at the same time also eradicates any carbon dioxide. The process looks to the fact that the hydrogen gets converted to methane and solid carbon through using massive levels of heat. The more traditional process happens to emit carbon dioxide at this point in time.
The production costs that are involved are also significantly lesser, which goes on to make the prospect all the more tantalizing. This new process is also going to enable the large-scale production, which could very well see the turquoise hydrogen that’s used in a variety of ways, which could change as well as optimize a range of industries.
What makes the turquoise hydrogen different?
Hydrogen happens to be often ranked by color that ranges between green and blue as well as grey, all of which happen to be hinged on how it gets made. Green hydrogen goes on to remain costly to produce since renewable electricity is used in the process so as to split water. Blue hydrogen that uses carbon capture from natural gas still happens to involve CO₂ being emitted.
Turquoise hydrogen from Korea, however, happens to be an entirely different story altogether. It gets derived from methane; however, there is no carbon dioxide that is produced. Rather, the process gives out solid carbon, which can get used in a range of industries right from mining to battery power. The excitement of hydrogen that costs as little as it does to produce happens to be especially appealing for nations that still rely on fossil fuels.
Korea enters the race for hydrogen innovation in a quiet way
It is well to be noted that the U.S. has been leading the way in hydrogen development. An outlook that has been propped up by such things as the Inflation Reduction Act as well as plentiful subsidies from the federal government due to its Earthshot program that’s firmly in place. This kind of latest turquoise-colored development coming from South Korea puts a different perspective on things.
The fact is that if all matters that pertain to Korea expanding this tech rapidly are getting dealt with as fast as needed, this small nation can easily begin to export on a large scale as well as at cheaper prices. Due to this turquoise hydrogen, they are surely going to be able to offer much better hydrogen investments as compared to the U.S., especially to the markets that are located closer to Korea.
Notably, green hydrogen goes on to remain the focal point for America in spite of the massive expenses that are involved; however, this could very well present a problem if the turquoise hydrogen from Korea gets pushed out of the door quickly. It indeed is more pioneering and modular, which proves well to scale and is also apt for industrial efficiency. Korea is, as a matter of fact, free of the burden of legacy as well as extensive bureaucracy to take care of, as is the case when we talk of other inflated economies.
What this could mean to the U.S.?
High-cost renewable hydrogen is going to come under the scope if South Korea is able to cement its turquoise hydrogen. This will not be worth it for America. The U.S. has already placed belief when it comes to green hydrogen being the answer to its decarbonization desires.
An alteration in tactics will have to be taken into account if energy partners begin to view the exploits of South Korea in a much more favorable light. This could very well have an impact on the supply chains in the U.S. All this, in case Korea makes sure that its turquoise hydrogen is as low in cost to produce and as clean as they say it is.
Hydrogen may still be quite a field of energy; however, the breakthroughs can happen pretty fast. If Korea makes the most of this prospect, this moment can indeed be viewed with reverence when the clean energy story of the world is reviewed.
