On May 22, OHPERA hosted an insightful webinar as part of the vertical webinar series of the EIC Green Hydrogen Portfolio. The event, titled “Perspectives for Photoelectrochemical Solar H2 Production,” drew an impressive audience of 47 attendees, reflecting the growing interest and importance of green hydrogen technologies in today’s global energy landscape.
The webinar was led by Prof. Sixto Giménez from the Universitat Jaume I de Castelló, a renowned expert in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) systems. Prof. Giménez provided a comprehensive overview of the current and future prospects of storing solar energy in the form of molecular hydrogen (H2). He contextualised the discussion within the global energy and environmental situation, emphasising the potential of H2 as a crucial energy vector and a key building block for the chemical industry.
Key topics covered
Prof. Giménez highlighted the significance of hydrogen as a means to store solar energy, addressing the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources. He reviewed various water electrolysis technologies and their integration with renewable electricity sources, offering a techno-economic perspective that compared the costs of photoelectrochemical solar H2 production with conventional methane steam reforming methods. The discussion also delved into the development of advanced semiconductor architectures and device considerations essential for scaling up PEC H2 production.
Current examples were also presented, illustrating the most promising strategies in this field. One of the innovative topics covered was the use of alternative oxidation reactions, such as biomass-derived oxidations (glycerol oxidation). These strategies not only produce added-value products alongside hydrogen but also reduce the overall energy input, thereby improving the cost-effectiveness of the technology and bringing it closer to commercialisation. The webinar concluded with an exploration of potential applications for PEC H2 production including local energy systems, ammonia production, and transportation, showcasing the feasibility of implementing it at a realistic scale.
The Q&A session was a highlight of the webinar, with attendees engaging actively, reflecting their keen interest and the relevance of the topic, allowing Prof. Giménez to provide deeper insights into the technical and economic aspects of the analysed technologies.
Revisit the webinar
For those who missed the live session or wish to revisit the insightful discussions, the recording of the webinar and the presentation are available below. This webinar not only underscored the technical advancements in PEC H2 production but also highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in achieving a sustainable energy future.
Stay tuned for more webinars and events as part of the OHPERA and EIC Pathfinder Portfolio’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen technologies and fostering collaborative innovation.
