The combustion of hydrogen took its first steps in France with the Gryd project aimed at the injection and the use of hydrogen in the gas distribution network. This successful project was mainly related to domestic gas consumption (boiler, gas stove). Beyond the servant, in the industrial sector this time, the experiments remain shy but after the publication of the RTE scenarios or with the energy crisis of 2022/2023, the subject of industrial combustion of hydrogen is gaining importance.
Decarbonier industrial combustion
The diffuse industry, distributed throughout the territory, represents 40 % of industrial emissions in France (Reseauactionclimat.org). A large part of the greenhouse gas emissions from the manufacturing industry stems from the combustion of fossil energy. For medium and high temperatures heat needs, combustion sectors, such as hydrogen, are presented as serious alternatives.
Decarbonation is not that electrification
In 2035, the industry will need 171 TWh of final energy for non -electrifying thermal processes. Hydrogen in combustion is estimated to represent 18 % of hydrogen consumption on a European scale. This solution, often underestimated in France, is relevant alongside the renewable gas solution for high temperature thermal processes where most of the other decarbonation options are not technically adapted.
Hydrogen -related opportunities
The use of hydrogen in these processes can also allow the co-production of oxygen on site. This oxygen could thus be used in oxycombustion in order to improve the energy efficiency of the flames. On the flexibility side, it is not always desirable or necessary to go entirely to hydrogen all year round. Also, most of the time it is possible to vary the hydrogen content in the natural gas flame in order to arbitrate market prices (electricity versus natural gas).
Finally, hydrogen brings with it the possibility of decarbonizing the surrounding mobility, whether it be the logistical flows linked to the activity of the factory or the surrounding communities. This accumulation of use would allow important synergies on land and economic levels.
Hydrogen limits in combustion
Of course hydrogen is not a miracle solution and meets limits, the main one being economical. Indeed, the current low prices of natural gas coupled at a price of CO2 Still insufficient make the economic competitiveness of hydrogen in the short term for this application difficult.
Added to this is competition for the use of renewable electricity, on limited availability despite the significant capacities installed regularly. Indeed, the electrification of industrial ovens as well as electrical mobility increases pressure on renewable and low-carbon energy sources.
Finally, beyond the economic equation, the problems of impact of the hydrogen flame on the final products (brick, glass, ceramics, etc.) are little known to date. Also, it is advisable to be careful about the period of implementation of the hydrogen alternative given the experimentation time necessary for certain industries.
