Researchers have proposed a novel atmospheric polygeneration system tailored for hot, humid climates, which simultaneously produces water, cooling, and hydrogen. In parallel, Inpex has initiated the front-end engineering and design for a blue hydrogen production project in Niigata, Japan.

An international team of researchers has developed a polygeneration system that integrates solar photovoltaics, vapor compression refrigeration, electrodeionization, PEM water electrolysis, hydrogen storage, and fuel cells. According to a recent paper published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, the system generates 5 kW of electricity, 8.2 tons of cooling, 28.36 L/h of atmospheric water, and 17 kg of hydrogen during daylight hours.

The system achieved energy and exergy efficiencies of 10.7% and 7.6%, respectively. During nighttime operation, the system relies on stored hydrogen to continue producing water and cooling, with an energetic and exergetic coefficient of performance of 1.58 and 0.28. The hydrogen system’s round-trip energy and exergy efficiencies were reported at 35.8% and 46.1%, respectively. The global hydrogen energy storage market size was accounted at USD 17.88 billion in 2023 and is expected to garner around USD 33.41 billion by 2033 with a CAGR of 7.19% from 2024 to 2033.

Inpex has also launched preparations for a blue hydrogen production project in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. This project will feature a hydrogen plant with a production capacity of 100,000 tons annually. The facility will source raw materials from natural gas at the Inpex-operated Minami-Nagaoka Gas Field and liquefied natural gas supplied to the Naoetsu LNG Terminal.

Meanwhile, EDP has completed environmental procedures for its renewable hydrogen project in Soto de Ribera, Spain, securing an “integrated environmental authorization.” This approval allows the company to move forward with the development of 5 MW of electrolysis capacity, requiring an investment exceeding €20 million ($20.8 million). The project is expected to annually produce 600 tons of renewable hydrogen for industrial applications.