Industrialized seawater direct hydrogen production achieves breakthrough in Qingdao

China's pioneering industrialized seawater direct hydrogen production research initiative in Qingdao West Coast New Area has been commissioned for trials.

This seawater hydrogen production endeavor is a collaborative effort between Sinopec Qingdao Refining & Chemical Co Ltd and the Sinopec (Dalian) Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals Co Ltd. It marks China's first-ever venture into the deployment and realization of product recovery applications within a petrochemical park at the hundred-kilowatt scale.

Seawater hydrogen production research equipment. [Photo/WeChat account: Xihaiannews]

Operating under the innovative paradigm of "seawater direct hydrogen production, green electricity for green hydrogen production", the project leverages breakthroughs like seawater circulation and photovoltaic green energy to facilitate green hydrogen production through direct seawater electrolysis.

In contrast to pure water used in traditional hydrogen electrolysis, seawater's 3 percent salt content poses challenges. Chloride ions can corrode electrodes, while cations may hinder efficiency. Sinopec Qingdao Refining & Chemical and the Sinopec (Dalian) Research Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals overcame these issues with specialized equipment and processes.

The project, which is a pivotal component of Sinopec Qingdao Refining & Chemical's hydrogen energy industrial ecosystem, is situated within the company's hydrogen energy demonstration park, bridging production, research, and application. The hydrogen gas produced is integrated into the grid nearby, fostering a tightly knit relationship between research and development and practical applications.

Furthermore, the project endeavors to recycle and repurpose process byproducts during experimentation, thereby curbing process emissions and showcasing exemplary leadership in the realms of environmental conservation and energy efficiency.