Powering the future? Hydrogen’s role in waste management

Touted as a potential game-changer in clean energy, hydrogen power offers unique opportunities to revolutionise waste management.

The alternative fuel is fast gaining traction, with big players like equipment manufacturer JCB and recycling firm Recology trialling vehicles.

But how exactly does hydrogen fit into the future of waste management?

What is hydrogen power?

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. When used in fuel cells, hydrogen can produce electricity through a chemical reaction with oxygen, emitting only water vapour as a byproduct. This makes it an exceptionally clean energy source, free from greenhouse gas emissions typically associated with fossil fuels.

However, the production of hydrogen itself is energy-intensive and can vary in environmental impact depending on the method used. The cleanest method is green hydrogen, which involves the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower to split water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.

Green hydrogen is entirely carbon-neutral, making it a key focus for the future of sustainable energy. But water is just one source of the hydrogen we need to get our engines pumping sustainably…

Hydrogen and waste: A synergistic relationship

While hydrogen is typically derived from water, it can also be extracted from waste. The waste-to-hydrogen (WtH) process is suitable for a variety of waste streams, including organic waste, plastics, and even industrial by-products, turning potential pollutants into a valuable resource.

There are several methods to produce hydrogen from waste:

• Gasification: Organic waste can be subjected to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen to produce syngas, a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen can then be separated from the other gases for use as fuel.
• Pyrolysis: Similar to gasification, pyrolysis involves heating waste in the absence of oxygen, but at lower temperatures. This process breaks down the waste into smaller molecules, including hydrogen.
• Anaerobic digestion: This biological process involves breaking down organic waste into biogas, a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide. The biogas can be further processed to produce hydrogen.

MORE: SunSkips gets a tour of Suffolk’s energy-from-waste plant

These methods not only divert waste from landfills but also reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal by converting it into clean energy. And it’s not the only way hydrogen is revolutionising the waste management industry.

A viable solution where electric falls short

While electric power is revolutionising many industries, particularly in urban transportation and light-duty vehicles, it still faces significant challenges in industrial areas.

Lorries and machinery used in sustainable waste management carry heavy loads, and while there have been some impressive advances…

SunSkips’ driver Sophie shows off the Volvo electric lorry she was trialling in 2023

…the technology isn’t quite capable of meeting the demand of growing companies like SunEnviro.

Electric vehicles (EVs) need frequent recharging and carry heavy batteries, while hydrogen-powered vehicles can be refuelled quickly and travel long distances on a single tank. This makes hydrogen a particularly attractive option for skip lorries and machinery used in recycling and construction.

In fact, hydrogen has such high potential as a replacement for diesel and petrol, it’s even being touted as a fuel for the aviation and maritime industries, where energy demand is as high as it gets. Research and pilot projects are already underway to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft and ships, which could drastically reduce the carbon footprint of these industries.

But, of course, adopting new technologies and building the infrastructure necessary for it is easier said than done.

Why isn’t hydrogen widely used in waste management today?

Despite its promise, the widespread adoption of hydrogen power in waste management and other industries faces several challenges.

The technology for waste-to-hydrogen conversion is still in its early stages and requires significant investment in research. And while there have been huge leaps in hydrogen-powered vehicles, the UK lacks the infrastructure and policy to support them.

Governments and industry stakeholders are only just recognizing the role hydrogen can play in creating a more sustainable and resilient waste management system. As investment in hydrogen technology grows, so too will the opportunities to integrate hydrogen power into waste management practices and beyond.

SunEnviro is always looking to the horizon for better alternatives to fossil fuel as we all move towards a net zero future.