University of Oulu experts study hydrogen from several angles
The University of Oulu has become one of the most important centres for hydrogen research in Finland. The University of Oulu's holistic vision of the future of hydrogen is based on a strong interdisciplinary approach.
Today, hydrogen is mainly produced from fossil natural gas, but hydrogen production will soon be moving towards a zero-emission electrolysis process where water is broken down into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. However, producing hydrogen from water by electrolysis requires a large amount of energy. The University of Oulu is developing alternative emission-free and energy-efficient ways to produce hydrogen.
One promising method is to produce hydrogen photocatalytically using sunlight. Professor Marko Huttula's group is studying structures such as butterfly wings and plant leaves to make hydrogen solar panels more efficient. Dr Huttula has repeatedly raised concerns and criticisms about current EU and Finnish plans to base hydrogen transition on electrolysis whose huge energy consumption, he says, cannot be ignored but must be looked at realistically.
Professor Wei Cao is developing a new generation of photocatalysts for hydrogen production with EU funding. The new catalysts will enable the direct production of hydrogen from water using sunlight without electricity.
Professor Riitta Keiski is a pioneer of heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis research in Finland and has strengthened research in the field at the University of Oulu. Keiski's research group has developed catalysts for hydrogen production and photocatalysis, focusing on global research issues related to green chemistry and technology and sustainability assessment.
Low-emission and low-electricity methane pyrolysis is already a method used in hydrogen production. In methane pyrolysis, natural gas or biogas is digested and hydrogen is separated from carbon. The pure carbon can be used to produce carbon nanotubes for use in new battery technologies. Professor Ulla Lassi heads the Sustainable Chemistry Research Unit and is an expert in the development of battery chemistry.
Hydrogen in steel production and transport, hydrogen-resistant steels and business models for the hydrogen economy
In steel production, the use of hydrogen as a reducing agent and energy source offers a significant use case for hydrogen and the potential to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the metals industry by up to about 7% of Finland's emissions.
Professor Timo Fabritius, who also coordinates the Hydrogen Research Forum that brings together Finnish research organisations, is familiar with hydrogen-based steel production.
Hydrogen evaporates easily and requires sufficiently leakproof metal containers for storage and transport. The University of Oulu has an internationally renowned position in the development of high-strength steels. They can also be used to, for example, lighten heavy vehicles and reduce transport emissions in Finland by up to 7–8%. Professor Jukka Kömi is an expert on special-strength steels.
Hydrogen suitable for transport fuels already exists, and hydrogen refineries can be used in fuels without significant investment in existing distribution infrastructure. Professor Juho Könnö is an expert in automotive and industrial engineering.
Technological progress alone is not enough to reduce emissions, but there must also be business models to exploit them as part of a broader international energy transition and hydrogen economy.
The University of Oulu School of Economics is developing new-age business models that are familiar to Professor Veikko Seppänen, Director of the Martti Ahtisaari Institute.
Read more about hydrogen and steel research at the University of Oulu https://www.oulu.fi/en/research/hydrogen-future-and-sustainable-steel
