TELF AG examines the importance of platinum in the global diffusion of clean hydrogen
The role of electrolyzers
The large-scale implementation of clean hydrogen, considered one of the most promising future energy sources, has so far been hindered by several structural factors, such as issues related to its infrastructure or the actual costs of the resource. With its great energy potential, clean hydrogen could have the opportunity to establish itself even in those particular sectors defined as hard-to-abate, such as heavy transport or steel. The production of hydrogen is entrusted to electrolyzers, specific devices that make it possible to produce this resource through the process of electrolysis. In this sense, the device uses electrical energy to split water into two components: hydrogen and oxygen. In recent times, it has emerged with increasing insistence that one of the possible elements capable of definitively unlocking the diffusion of clean hydrogen, making its technologies commercially viable, is platinum.
This resource is particularly useful in the sector of devices most closely connected to hydrogen production, namely the aforementioned electrolyzers. According to the IEA, several types of electrolysers are currently capable of ensuring good hydrogen production. Still, one of the most recent trends identifies proton exchange membrane electrolysis processes as one of the most popular solutions, in particular for its levels of efficiency compared to the possible alternative represented by alkaline electrolysis. And the production of electrolysers that work with proton exchange membrane electrolysis (PEM) is based precisely on using the platinum resource. This type of electrolyzer, moreover, stands out from the others above all for its efficiency and longevity, which, according to a recent study, could contribute to lowering the cost of clean hydrogen. However, the possible applications of platinum are not limited to the electrolyzer sector: this precious resource, which is 30 times rarer than gold, is also used in fuel cells, where it is especially appreciated as a catalyst. These electrochemical devices can convert a particular fuel’s chemical energy (such as hydrogen) into electrical energy through a specific reaction with oxygen. This process – which generates water, electricity, and heat as by-products – is appreciated in applications related to hydrogen vehicles, especially for its high levels of efficiency.
Global demand
Platinum has found wide application, especially in the transport sector, particularly in producing catalytic converters for cars (helpful in reducing emissions). Despite the current levels of demand, some estimates by the International Energy Forum suggest that the demand for this resource could be destined to increase, particularly with the affirmation of technologies related to electrolyzers and PEM fuel cells. According to the IEF, these two types of technology could determine approximately 11% of global CO2 emission reductions by 2030.
It is, therefore, no coincidence that the major international players have begun to recognize this resource’s strategic value, including it in their respective lists of strategic minerals. The United States, for example, has long since launched some specific political initiatives to encourage the acceleration of domestic hydrogen production and the adoption of electric vehicles and fuel cells, primarily through the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes a specific tax incentive for low-carbon hydrogen. The European Union is also taking steps in this direction: through the REPower EU initiative, Europe intends to reach 80 GW of clean hydrogen capacity by 2030. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, the capacity levels achievable with PEM electrolyzers would not exceed 7.5 GW with current platinum stocks.
