KU secures $5 million for clean hydrogen research
LAWRENCE (KSNT) - The University of Kansas was one of 52 projects selected by the Department of Energy (DOE) to "dramatically reduce the cost of clean hydrogen and reinforce American leadership in the growing hydrogen industry.”
The university said the funding is part of a $750 million program that spans 24 states and 52 different projects. The funds will be going to a KU and startup firm called Avium that was founded by researchers at KU's School of Engineering.
In 2017, new catalysts that make green hydrogen more efficient were found, leading to the founding of Avium.
Green hydrogen is a key tool in the worldwide push to slash carbon emissions, according to a KU press release. This type of hydrogen is produced with renewable energy whereas conventional hydrogen production emits greenhouse gasses.
“The whole world is interested in green hydrogen,” said Kevin Leonard, professor of chemical & petroleum engineering at KU, as well as a member of KU’s Center for Environmental Beneficial Catalysis and chief science officer of Avium. “Hydrogen is a commodity chemical — nearly 100 million tons are produced annually worldwide. It’s used in fertilizers, cement production, metal processing and refining. Traditionally, it’s made from natural gas, but that process emits CO2. This results in hundreds of millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions.”
KU and Avium will work to develop new catalysts and technology to improve green hydrogen production. Leonard said the benefits could extend to sectors where hydrogen isn't used.
“People are interested in green hydrogen for traditional applications like those I mentioned, but also for emerging ones,” Leonard said. “One example is sustainable aviation fuels. Green hydrogen will be critical in creating sustainable, petroleum-free fuels, specifically for aviation.”
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