[SMM Science Popularization] Interpretation of Hydrogen Production from Methanol: Transition Pathway Between Hydrogen Production from Fossil Fuels and Water Electrolysis

With the growing global demand for clean energy and sustainable development, methanol-to-hydrogen technology, as a crucial component of the hydrogen energy industry, is gradually demonstrating its immense application potential and market value. This article will delve into the principles, advantages, applications in the transportation sector, and the current equipment reserves of related enterprises for methanol-to-hydrogen technology.

I. Principles of Methanol-to-Hydrogen Technology

The principle of methanol-to-hydrogen technology is based on the chemical reaction between methanol and steam under the promotion of specific catalysts, producing hydrogen and carbon dioxide. This process involves multiple components and reactions, forming a complex gas-solid catalytic reaction system. The main reactions include methanol decomposition and carbon monoxide shift reactions. The specific reaction equations are as follows:

• Methanol decomposition reaction: CH₃OH → CO + 2H₂
• Carbon monoxide shift reaction: CO + H₂O → CO₂ + H₂

Combining the above two reactions, the overall reaction equation is: CH₃OH + H₂O → CO₂ + 3H₂. This is an endothermic reaction that requires specific temperature and pressure conditions.

II. Advantages of Methanol-to-Hydrogen Technology

Methanol-to-hydrogen technology has garnered widespread attention primarily due to its multiple advantages:

1. Low cost: Methanol is widely available, derived from both fossil resources and biomass, and is inexpensive, helping to reduce hydrogen production costs.
2. Ease of storage and transportation: Methanol is in a liquid state at normal temperature and pressure, making it easy to store and transport, and ensuring that hydrogen production is not geographically restricted.
3. High hydrogen yield: Methanol steam reforming technology can completely convert the hydrogen in methanol into hydrogen gas, improving the utilization rate of raw materials.
4. Environmental protection: Compared to traditional fossil fuel-based hydrogen production methods, methanol-to-hydrogen technology emits less carbon, making it more environmentally friendly. Additionally, with the development of green methanol technology, the carbon emissions associated with methanol production are gradually being addressed.

III. Applications of Methanol-to-Hydrogen Technology in the Transportation Sector

The applications of methanol-to-hydrogen technology in the transportation sector are mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Fuel cell vehicles: Methanol-to-hydrogen technology provides a stable and reliable hydrogen source for fuel cell vehicles. Through methanol reforming hydrogen fuel cell systems, hydrogen can be produced and used on-demand, eliminating the need for hydrogen storage and transportation, thereby enhancing safety.
2. Hydrogen-powered forklifts: Recently, methanol-to-hydrogen forklifts have entered the testing phase, marking a substantial step forward in the application of hydrogen energy in the industrial logistics sector. This innovative technology transforms traditional fuel-powered forklifts into methanol-to-hydrogen forklifts, offering advantages such as low cost, high operational efficiency, and environmental protection.
3. Hydrogen refueling stations: The integrated methanol-to-hydrogen refueling model provides a new approach to the construction of hydrogen refueling stations. By installing distributed methanol-to-hydrogen systems within hydrogen refueling stations, hydrogen production and refueling can be integrated, reducing hydrogen transportation costs and improving the economic efficiency and safety of hydrogen refueling stations.

IV. Enterprises with Current Methanol-to-Hydrogen Equipment Reserves

Currently, numerous domestic and international enterprises have made significant investments in R&D and have advanced methanol-to-hydrogen equipment reserves. Below are some representative companies:

1. China Hydrogen New Energy Technology Co., Ltd.: Released the MHU-600 second-generation methanol-to-hydrogen cabinet product for hydrogen energy vehicles in the transportation sector, achieving a methanol-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of over 80%. The product features a modular design, allowing flexible adjustments to daily hydrogen production based on customer needs.
2. Hefei NaHydrogen New Energy Co., Ltd.: Specializes in the R&D and production of methanol reforming hydrogen fuel cell systems, aiming to achieve the localisation of core components. Its methanol reforming fuel cell technology integrates methanol reforming hydrogen modules with high-temperature proton exchange membrane fuel cell stacks, enabling on-demand hydrogen production and usage.
3. Guangdong Ncreator Technology Co., Ltd.: Leverages years of technical expertise and experience to develop and manufacture various hydrogen production and hydrogen power generation equipment. Its main products include the CW-MHG series methanol-water hydrogen production machines and the CW-MFC series methanol-water hydrogen fuel cell generators.
4. CIMC Enric: Launched the first skid-mounted methanol steam reforming hydrogen production unit, with a hydrogen production capacity of 100-500Nm³/h, hydrogen purity exceeding 99.99%, and a methanol conversion rate of over 98%.
5. YangHydrogen Group: Integrates over 20 years of methanol hydrogen energy R&D achievements from US-based H2PT and Canada-based Ballard, offering modular methanol hydrogen production and supply systems, as well as distributed methanol hydrogen cogeneration systems.

These enterprises have achieved remarkable results in methanol-to-hydrogen technology, not only driving the development of the hydrogen energy industry but also making significant contributions to global energy transition and sustainable development.

According to on-site surveys conducted by SMM analysts, many enterprises involved in hydrogen energy initially chose to start with methanol-to-hydrogen technology. As the technology matures, they gradually transition to manufacturing water electrolysis hydrogen production equipment. Based on the overall market development of hydrogen energy in 2024, it is still premature to rapidly develop water electrolysis hydrogen production and pure hydrogen fuel cells. Considering factors such as cost, methanol-to-hydrogen is regarded as a viable transitional route.

In conclusion, methanol-to-hydrogen technology, with its unique advantages and broad application prospects, is playing an increasingly important role in the hydrogen energy industry. With continuous technological advancements and sustained policy support, methanol-to-hydrogen is expected to achieve widespread application and promotion in the transportation sector, industrial sector, and beyond, injecting new momentum into global energy transition and sustainable development.

Written by: SMM Hydrogen Energy Analyst Xin Shi - 13515219405 (WeChat available). If you are also interested in hydrogen energy, feel free to contact me.