The sustainable development goals and rapid transformation efforts in the energy sector are bringing hydrogen to the forefront, highlighting its central role. This clean and versatile energy carrier not only plays a crucial role in energy storage and transportation but also in various industrial processes. However, the traditional production of hydrogen from coal and natural gas raises concerns about environmental impacts and energy security. The use of these limited reserves of fossil fuels emits large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere during hydrogen production. The utilization of these fossil fuel sources is also associated with threats to economic and energy independence.

At this point, the electrolysis method emerges as a sustainable alternative in hydrogen production. Electrolysis coupled with renewable energy sources, minimizes environmental impacts and contributes to energy independence, adding a whole new dimension to the future energy landscape. Now, let's take a closer look at the definition of electrolysis and the types of electrolyzers used in hydrogen production.

What is Electrolysis?

Electrolysis is the process of breaking chemical bonds between atoms that constitute molecules in a liquid using electrical current. This separation process arises from the giving or taking of electrons by matter.

Hydrogen gas is obtained by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen gases through electrolysis. Hydrogen gas holds significant potential as a clean energy source in various industrial fields, fuel cells, chemical production or energy storage systems.

Types of Electrolyzers Used in Hydrogen Production

Various types of electrolyzers are employed in the production of hydrogen, often termed as the 'future energy carrier.' Factors such as high efficiency, low cost and environmental impacts play a crucial role in determining the preferred type of electrolyzer.

These electrolyzer types include:

• Alkaline Electrolyzers: These electrolyzers utilize an alkaline electrolyte like sodium hydroxide used for industrial-scale hydrogen production in general. They often boast low cost and high efficiency. However, the basic working environment of alkaline electrolyzers increases the risk of corrosive effects on certain materials and components over time.
• PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Electrolyzers: PEM electrolyzers are widely used for high-purity hydrogen production. They separate hydrogen and oxygen gases through a polymer membrane. They are employed in smaller-scale and portable applications, showcasing high energy efficiency and rapid response times. These features facilitate easier integration with renewable energy systems like solar and wind, offering an effective and eco-friendly solution for green hydrogen production. Moreover, PEM electrolyzers can operate at low operating temperatures, reducing energy costs and enhancing device durability. However, the use of valuable metals like platinum makes PEM electrolyzers expensive, which can be considered a disadvantage.
• SOEC / Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell Electrolyzers: Operating at high temperatures, these electrolyzers produce hydrogen using a solid oxide electrolyte. They find more significant usage in industrial-scale applications. Solid oxide electrolyzers can be used in environments where electrocatalysts exhibit high performance, supporting highly efficient hydrogen production. However, these electrolyzers also pose some drawbacks; the high temperature and aggressive operating conditions may create challenges in material durability, making the system more complex.
• Hybrid Electrolyzers: Some systems combine the advantages of different electrolyzer types. For instance, hybrid electrolyzers formed by combining PEM and SOEC technologies offer more efficient and flexible production.

Green Hydrogen: Eco-friendly and Economical

In line with the goal of a sustainable and clean world, many countries prefer production processes where hydrogen plays a more active role in carbon removal strategies. Green hydrogen produced by electrolyzing water using renewable electricity holds significant importance in this context. Hydrogen takes a leading role in various valuable processes for sustainability -such as carbon dioxide utilization, biomass refining, synthetic fuel production and ammonia production.

Green hydrogen serves as a critical element especially aiding in the decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors like petrochemicals, iron, steel, cement, glass and ceramics. It significantly reduces production, transportation and storage costs in energy-intensive sectors, making green hydrogen production both more economical and eco-friendly.

“Many countries prefer production processes where hydrogen plays a more active role in carbon removal strategies within the framework of sustainable and clean world goals.”

Türkiye is taking significant steps towards green hydrogen production in recent years. The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources emphasizes their goal of enhancing clean energy and energy efficiency within the scope of sustainability through the Türkiye’s National Energy Plan. In this regard, green hydrogen produced by electrolyzing water with renewable energy sources holds immense importance for achieving a net-zero emission goal. Efforts are ongoing to mix natural gas with clean fuels like hydrogen and synthetic methane. The aim is to increase the hydrogen blend ratio in natural gas to 12% by 2030 and the synthetic methane blend ratio to 30% by 2053.

Contributing to Renewable Energy Goals: Collaboration with SOCAR Türkiye

We have initiated the project titled "Development of Original Anodes for H2 Production with Bipolar Membrane Electrolyzers” in collaboration with the SOCAR Türkiye R&D and Innovation Center and Sabancı University at SOCAR Türkiye. This project holds significant importance for renewable energy started in 2022. The aim is to develop original electrodes containing advanced catalysts for green hydrogen production from water. Additionally, within the project scope, efforts are directed towards reducing electrolyzer costs, enhancing efficiency and prolonging usage life.

At SOCAR Türkiye, we are accelerating our efforts to contribute to the European Union's Environmental and Climate Change Policy of achieving zero net greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the carbon footprint by 2050. We believe that green hydrogen with significant potential in our country, plays a crucial role, not only in these goals but also in meeting the needs for clean energy production technologies following Sustainable Development Goals.

We believe in a sustainable future at SOCAR Türkiye. By integrating technology into our processes, we minimize our environmental impact and continue to create value for people, society and the environment. We work for a better tomorrow with today's energy.