To achieve a fossil-free society, new energy sources need to be developed. A large share of greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation. Batteries alone will not be able to carry the entire transition; multiple solutions will be required. Hydrogen could therefore become an important part of the future.
At Chalmers, extensive research is conducted in the field of hydrogen, ranging from materials, fuel cells, and electrolyzers to societal analyses and applications in heavy transport, aviation, and energy storage. Through several competence centers, technologies for hydrogen-powered vehicles and for a robust energy system are developed and evaluated. Close collaboration with industry is an important part of this research.
"There will not be a universal solution to replace fossil fuels"
"There will not be a universal solution to replace fossil fuels. We will need several energy sources, especially if we do not want to become too dependent on imports. What we can say with certainty from our research is that hydrogen will be part of the solution", says Maria Grahn, Associate Professor in Energy Systems Analysis at the Department of Space, Earth and Environment and Deputy Director of the competence centre TechForH2.
Go to Maria Grahn's personal page
"Hydrogen presents both major opportunities and significant challenges"
"Hydrogen presents both major opportunities and significant challenges. For the technology to work in practice, development must take place in close collaboration with industry. At Chalmers, we are proud to have such close cooperation with companies and organisations in the region. This enables us to develop solutions that are relevant to real-world needs", says Tomas Grönstedt, Professor of Turbomachinery at the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the competence centre TechForH2.
Go to Tomas Grönstedt's personal pageCollaboration and contact
Current in hydrogen research
Local water supply crucial to success of hydrogen initiative in Europe
Green hydrogen is considered to be an important part of the global climate transition, especially as a fuel and energy carrier for heavy transport and industry. However, large-scale green hydrogen production requires sustainable ways of managing water resources to avoid giving rise to water shortages and conflicts with agriculture over access. This has been shown in a unique study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, that connects local water supply with a range of scenarios for future hydrogen needs in Europe.
The best hydrogen for heavy-duty transport is locally produced and green
If trucks ran on hydrogen instead of fossil fuels, carbon dioxide emissions from heavy-duty road transport could be significantly reduced. At the same time, a new study from Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden shows that differences in how the gas is produced, distributed and used greatly affect its climate benefits. Locally produced green hydrogen is the best option for the climate – with the additional benefit of enabling all countries to become self-sufficient in energy and fuel, even in times of crisis and war.
Ultra-sensitive optical sensor can reduce hydrogen’s risks
In the pursuit of clean and renewable energy, hydrogen plays an important role. But a major challenge facing this transition is that the gas is explosive when mixed with air. For this reason, it is crucial to be able to detect hydrogen leaks as early as possible. Now researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Eindhoven University of Technology, have developed an optical sensor that can detect record low levels of hydrogen.
Solar hydrogen can now be produced efficiently without the scarce metal platinum
A research team led by Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have presented a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the scarce and expensive metal platinum. Using sunlight, water and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic, the researchers show how the hydrogen can be produced efficiently, sustainably and at low cost.
Humidity-resistant hydrogen sensor can improve safety in large-scale clean energy
Wherever hydrogen is present, safety sensors are required to detect leaks and prevent the formation of flammable oxyhydrogen gas when hydrogen is mixed with air. It is therefore a challenge that today’s sensors do not work optimally in humid environments – because where there is hydrogen, there is very often humidity. Now, researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, are presenting a new sensor that is well suited to humid environments – and actually performs better the more humid it gets.
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