Introduction
Climate change remains a concern for every country on the planet. If we are to achieve our sustainable development objectives, we need to explore and evaluate all the technologies that stand out. Hydrogen (H2)-based technology stands out from the crowd. In this article, we look at the role hydrogen plays in reducing the carbon footprint of mining activities.
Hydrogen: an abundant energy carrier with multiple applications in mining
Hydrogen has captured considerable attention for several reasons. Firstly, it is the most abundant element in the universe, offering a virtually limitless supply. Additionally, hydrogen exhibits characteristics similar to fossil fuels, allowing it to be stored, transferred, and burned to produce high-temperature heat. However, unlike natural gas or oil, hydrogen does not exist naturally in the world but rather serves as an energy carrier that requires production. Numerous new applications of hydrogen have been proposed across different industries, including transportation and mining (Decoding the Role of Hydrogen in Mining, n.d.).
The applications of Hydrogen in mining
Hydrogen is used in mining for a number of reasons. This section looks at some of them.
Fleet decarbonization
The mining industry uses heavy machinery, which contributes enormously to pollution through the production of carbon dioxide. The decarbonisation of the mining fleet using hydrogen is a major step forward. Hydrogen-powered batteries are a real alternative to electric vehicles, offering extended range and rapid recharging.
Energy storage
Hydrogen can also be used for energy storage purposes. It can store surplus renewable electricity and be used later for thermal or electricity generation. At high pressures, hydrogen can store up to 40,000 Wh/kg, whereas the best available lithium-ion batteries on the market can only store up to 280 Wh/kg (Decoding the Role of Hydrogen in Mining, n.d.).
Electricity generation
The mining industry is heavily dependent on fossil fuels, which is the main source of energy used to date. The use of hydrogen would reduce this dependence as a less polluting source of electrical energy.
Environmental and economic benefits
The use of hydrogen in mining offers several advantages:
Carbon emission reduction
Compliance with environmental standards is fundamental for any mining company committed to sustainability. Replacing carbon-intensive fuels with green hydrogen is a step towards responsible mining and helping to reduce the carbon impact on the environment.
Energy security
Green hydrogen uses locally available renewable resources. This not only helps to strengthen the circular economy, but also reduces the volatility of fossil fuel prices.
Sustainability credentials
Mining companies that use green hydrogen in their production approach boost their credibility and reputation with the various stakeholders by demonstrating their commitment to protecting nature.
Challenges to adoption
Despite its potential, green hydrogen faces challenges:
- High costs: The production, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen remain expensive compared to traditional fuels.
- Infrastructure requirements: Deploying hydrogen-based systems requires significant investment in specialized infrastructure, including electrolysers, fuel cells, and storage tanks.
- Renewable energy demand: The large-scale adoption of green hydrogen necessitates abundant and consistent renewable energy, which may not be available in all mining regions (IRENA, 2021).
The future of green hydrogen in mining
Collaboration and innovation will be critical to overcoming these challenges. Partnerships between governments, energy companies, and mining firms can accelerate the development of cost-effective hydrogen technologies and infrastructure. Additionally, advances in electrolyser efficiency and scaling renewable energy projects will make green hydrogen more accessible.
Conclusion
Green hydrogen represents a transformative opportunity for the mining industry to achieve net-zero emissions while maintaining operational efficiency. By replacing carbon-intensive fuels in equipment, power generation, and heating, hydrogen can decarbonize critical aspects of mining. While challenges persist, ongoing advancements and strategic investments make green hydrogen a promising pathway for sustainable mining.
Reference
Decoding the role of hydrogen in mining. (n.d.). Retrieved January 3, 2025, from https://www.se.com/ww/en/insights/next-generation-automation/industrial-sustainability/decoding-the-role-of-hydrogen-in-mining.jsp
