Siemens supports novel clean hydrogen production

Siemens has signed an MoU with UK technology developer Paragon Resources to support the scale up of its novel ultra-low carbon hydrogen production process.

Whereas green hydrogen production traditionally requires electrolysis, methane reforming or the need for carbon capture and fossil fuels or other external electricity resources, Paragon Resources’ pioneering approach is chemically based.

Basically, treated, recycled aluminium is reacted with water in the presence of a catalyst to yield 100% carbon-free hydrogen gas, aluminium hydroxide and heat.

Further, the crystalline aluminium hydroxide can be used in a range of industrial applications including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, fire retardants and ceramics among others, while the heat can be harnessed and converted into electricity to offer a compact method of energy generation.

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The process, which is stated as scalable and cost-effective, is patent pending, with several patents filed, including for reactor design and an advanced AI-based control system.

Under the new agreement, Siemens will serve as a preferred technology partner for Paragon Resources to accelerate its path from pilot and proof-of-concept work to industrial-scale deployment.

Leveraging the Siemens Xcelerator open digital business platform, the collaboration intends to introduce automation, digital twin technology and AI-driven process control to boost reactor efficiency, optimise thermal performance, enable remote operations and bolster cybersecurity.

“Tackling the challenge of upscaling hydrogen production will be impossible without a willingness to collaborate,” comments Andy Lane, Senior Commercial Manager at Siemens.

“As a technology company, we have an integral role to play in supporting businesses such as Paragon Resources in developing, scaling and commercialising their innovative new processes and make a real impact.”

Ian Calvert, CEO at Paragon Resources, highlights that green hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role in the global energy transition as a solution for hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry, chemicals and long-haul transport.

“Our mission is to enable a new standard for green hydrogen production: one that’s clean, efficient, and commercially viable without compromise. Siemens brings the industrial know-how and digital tools we need to rapidly move from pilot to full-scale deployment.”

Notably, the process also provides a means of recycling aluminium that might otherwise risk going to landfill.