As the H2Innovate Summit in Dubai begins today (April 25), Russian palladium producer MMC Norilsk Nickel explains the element’s place in the production of green hydrogen
- Middle East emerges as key player in the global hydrogen economy, leveraging rich resources and strategic investments aided by its 10% global storage capacity.
- Palladium technology produced by Nornickel facilitates efficient hydrogen production, storage, and distribution.
- H2Innovate Summit held in Dubai as part of the Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA conference and exhibition, gathers industry leaders and experts from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Far East
- UAE leads race in developing “blue” and “green” hydrogen production, with significant contributions from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
With approximately 10% of the world’s carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) capacities concentrated in the Middle East, the region is emerging as a key player in the global hydrogen economy. Supported by large commercial CCUS storage facilities in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, the Middle East is leveraging its rich resources and access to affordable natural gas to become a market leader.
Countries across the Middle East, including Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, are seizing ample opportunities to expand hydrogen energy production. By focusing on “green” hydrogen production, these nations aim to transform the region into a hub for clean fuel generation, catering to industries such as fertilizer production, steel manufacturing, and transportation.
A pivotal element in advancing hydrogen production technologies is palladium, utilised at every stage of the production chain according to Anna Karzhavina, new business development officer of Nornickel, the world’s largest producer of palladium and a leader in the metals and mining industry.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming H2Innovate Summit in Dubai which she will be attending, she emphasised the unique properties of palladium in reducing costs and enhancing efficiency across hydrogen production processes.
She said: “In the main technology for producing green hydrogen – proton exchange membrane electrolysis – palladium is able to replace the more expensive iridium as a catalyst on the electrolyzer electrode and even obtain higher catalytic activity. Palladium also has the unique property of decomposing hydrogen molecules into atoms, which penetrate through the metal and then, with the help of the palladium, combine again into a molecule of permeability for only one element – hydrogen.
“Palladium is impervious to other gases. Due to this, palladium membranes can be used to produce ultrapure hydrogen using ‘blue’ technologies such as steam methane reforming and autothermal reforming with CCUS and we believe, that rising hydrogen purity will be the next industry challenge after cost reduction.
“In addition, studies have shown that palladium can absorb hydrogen up to 90 times its weight. The diffusion of hydrogen in palladium provides an easy return of gas at a relatively low temperature, in addition, palladium can provide reliable and safe hydrogen storage,” she added.
While “green” hydrogen remains a focus, the development of “blue” hydrogen is gaining momentum across the region, says Karzhavina. With its market price retention and cost competitiveness, “blue” hydrogen presents a promising opportunity. The UAE leads the race to develop both “blue” and “green” hydrogen production capacities, with significant contributions from Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The H2Innovate Summit, part of the Connecting Green Hydrogen MENA conference and exhibition, gathers industry leaders and experts from the Middle East, North Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Far East. Participants showcase advanced technologies and explore solutions for the production, storage, distribution, and application of low-carbon hydrogen.
The strategic investments and technological advancements showcased at the H2Innovate Summit underscore the Middle East’s commitment to shaping the future of the global hydrogen economy.
MMC Norilsk Nickel is a diversified mining and metallurgical company, the world’s largest producer of palladium and high-grade nickel and a major producer of platinum and copper. The company also produces cobalt, rhodium, silver, gold, iridium, ruthenium, selenium, tellurium, sulphur and other products.
The production units of Norilsk Nickel Group are located at the Norilsk Industrial District, on the Kola Peninsula and Zabaykalsky Krai in Russia.
MMC Norilsk Nickel shares are listed on the Moscow and on the Saint-Petersburg Stock Exchanges.
