The Linde Group, a gases and engineering company, has succeeded in producing hydrogen using sustainable sources. The company used biodiesel by-products to produce hydrogen at its pilot plant in Leuna, Germany. The produced hydrogen was certified by TÜV SÜD, a test and inspection firm.
The company has developed a pyroreforming process based on raw glycerine to produce hydrogen. The hydrogen-rich glycerine is a perfect source for hydrogen production. Glycerine is obtained as a by-product during biodiesel production.
For hydrogen production, the salt and water present in glycerine is separated in the first step. Subsequently, the glycerin is broken down at high temperature and pressure. This results in methane-rich pyrolysis gas. In a reformer, the pyrolysis gas is converted into hydrogen, which can be purified and liquefied based on the requirement.
The process is capable of cutting down more than 50% of greenhouse gas emissions when compared to traditional hydrogen producing processes. Furthermore, a fully operational, commercial scale production unit will reduce up to 80% of greenhouse gas emissions.
Currently, the certified hydrogen is available for refueling at the HANNOVER MESSE 2012 trade event. Linde will be the only company to supply hydrogen for refueling fuel-cell vehicles arranged by the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP). The company’s "traiLH2gas" mobile station will be used to fuel vehicles.
Furthermore, the company’s green hydrogen will be supplied to hydrogen refueling stations in Hamburg and Berlin. Linde, along with Daimler, is planning to open 20 more hydrogen refueling stations in the next three years in Germany.