Marcos de Campos

Abstract:

One way for energy storage is hydrogen production of the excess of electric energy. However Hydrogen storage is quite complicated because hydrogen is only liquid at 20 Kelvin. Also, as easily explained by the Carnot cycle, there are losses along the several steps of liquid hydrogen production, as for example, hydrolysis efficiency, compression and liquefaction efficiency, and so on.
However, excess electric energy can be transformed into hydrogen and immediately used for metal reduction. Here it is discussed the technical and economic feasibility of using hydrogen for iron reduction.
Oil importer countries may turn to hydrogen usage in industry, thus avoiding oil price fluctuation, or also coal price fluctuation. Even with higher prices, the use of hydrogen in metallurgical processes gives alternatives to non-renewable commodities. This detail is relevant for strategic planning of governments.