Int. J. Hydrogen Energy. Vol. 9. No. 1/2. pp. 9-23, 1984. 0360-3199/84 $3.011 + 0.

00
Printed in Great Britain. Pergamon Press Ltd.
International Association for Hydrogen Energy.

NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES WITH HYDROGEN

TECHNOLOGIES*

HYDROGEN: A CANADIAN OPPORTUNITY to ultimately displace traditional energy supplies that

promises to make hydrogen a major industry of the
Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe,
future.
is also the simplest in atomic structure. It has been the
Perhaps the most apparent of these future hydrogen
subject of extensive theoretical and practical investi-
applications is as a fuel for virtually every mode of
gation, with the result that its physical and chemical
transport. Also important is the use of hydrogen as a
properties are well established.
medium for the storage of electricity.
There is therefore a sound scientific base for the use
Canada, with its abundance of natural gas and
of hydrogen in a wide range of industrial and commercial
hydro-electric resources, and its reliable Candu nuclear
applications. Many of these, in Canada and elsewhere,
power facilities, is enviably placed to participate in these
date back several decades and include uses in the chem-
significant developments. This is particularly so since
ical and petrochemical processing industries, in ferrous
the most dramatic increase in hydrogen production, it
and non-ferrous metallurgy, and in agricultural ferti-
is anticipated, will be by the electrolysis of water.
lizers. In addition, smaller but significant volumes of
It is, therefore, appropriate that Canadian industry,
hydrogen are used in many other industries.
encouraged by governments at every level, secure a
With few exceptions, however, these uses involve
position of leadership in the development and appli-
hydrogen as a feedstock for petroleum refining, pro-
cation of the new technologies that will create the
duction of ammonia for chemical fertilizers, and meth-
hydrogen industry of the future.
anol as an intermediate in the production of other
The Hydrogen Industry Council exists to bring
chemicals and commercial products.
together industry, utilities, universities, research insti-
Although these applications will doubtless continue
tutes, and governments, to promote the development
to grow, it is hydrogen's potential to supplement and
and application of hydrogen technology.
* This paper has been produced from a corporate brochure In pursuit of this aim, the Council serves as a catalyst
with the kind permission of the Hydrogen Industry Council and a coordinator to a more concerted effort by its
of Canada. members so that a new major industry, the hydrogen

Fig. 1. An inexhaustible resource: water is not only a source of hydrogen, but also provides hydro-
electric power required for its production. The Daniel Johnson dam on the Manicouagan river, an
example of Canada's rich hydro-electric resources for the production of hydrogen.
10

Fig. 2. Gas drilling teams illustrating the abundant existing and potential Canadian natural resources
from which hydrogen can be generated.

Fig. 3. Large nuclear power plants are a fact in Canada.

 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 11

Fig. 4. Natural gas is readily available across the country through an extensive pipeline distribution
system which illustrates the abundant existing and potential Canadian natural resources from which
hydrogen can be generated.

Fig. 5. Existing and projected Candu nuclear reactors provide a potential for large-scale production of
hydrogen (Table 1).
12 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL
industry, achieves the most rapid development possible Table 1. Large volume uses of hydrogen
and contributes the maximum sustainable economic
benefit to both its members and to Canada as a whole. Industrial Consumer
WHY A H Y D R O G E N INDUSTRY COUNCIL? Current
The Hydrogen Industry Council is a unique Canadian Ammonia production
initiative. Petroleum refining
Methanol production
Many industrial councils and associations exist to Rocket engine fuel
promote the interests of already mature industries. With Future Future
the Hydrogen Industry Council, however, there is a Coal conversion Personal transport
recognition of an unusual opportunity for Canada to Biomass conversion Space heating
assume a role of international leadership in the tech- Synthetic natural gas production Water heating
nological and commercial development of a significant Heavy oil upgrading Cooking
emerging industry. Tar sands Appliances
The members of the Council have perceived the Oil shales
Cryogenic applications
opportunities and advantages of collaborative activity Electrical energy storage
to accelerate the development and commercialization Hydro-electric
of advanced hydrogen technologies. Nuclear
While retaining their individual corporate goals and Transport
activities, they share the conviction that hydrogen will Off-road
play a growing role in the Canadian economy. Highway
Air
THE COUNCIL'S MISSION Railway
Production of heavy water
The Hydrogen Industry Council fosters the devel-

Fig. 6. Liquid hydrogen storage reservoir.

 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 13

Fig. 7. Reformers such as the unit shown above in a methanol plant in Canada produce large volumes
of hydrogen.

opment of hydrogen technologies and their use in to achieve these objectives by promoting the develop-
industrial and consumer applications to the benefit of ment of hydrogen-related industries and through the
Canadian industry and the Canadian public. participation of Canada in international undertakings
As an industry-based organization, the Council aims to advance hydrogen technologies.

Fig. 8. Esso Chemical Canada's olefin plant. Petrochemical processes consume large volumes of hydrogen
as a feedstock.
14 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL
The Hydrogen Industry Council has three major
objectives.
First, to promote research and development in the
areas of hydrogen production, storage, transport, and
utilization.
The Council orients its programs towards maximum
national economic benefit, and structures them so as
to eliminate duplication through the greatest possible
integration of efforts.
Second, to represent the hydrogen industry.
In this the Council acts as:
• a representative to governments to advise them on
matters related to hydrogen research and development
Fig. 9. Industrial hydrogen liquefaction and distillation tower (left a storage reservoir).
• a focal point for a continuing information exchange
among members and with the international community
• a representative to research organizations and
national and international associations
• a source of information for the general public.
The Council works with its members to establish
policies and strategies relating to hydrogen and to
ensure that members obtain sufficient resources to con-
duct their industrial research projects.
Finally, to seek out and promote hydrogen utilization
projects.
The ultimate objective of the Council is to increase
and broaden the industrial use of hydrogen domestically
and to promote the export of products, services and
technology.
 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES
M E M B E R SERVICES
As an organization created by industry to help achieve
economic and industrial objectives, the Council serves
its members through a full range of services in four
main areas.
Technoeconomic intelligence
To ensure its members have available current tech-
noeconomic data necessary for making commercial
hydrogen-related decisions.
As an industrial association, one of the major func-
tions of the Council is to provide its members with
accurate and current information related to hydrogen.
This includes scientific and engineering information, as
well as financial data to reflect the costs of implementing
hydrogen systems and to permit comparisons of avail-
able alternate technologies. This data gathering and
dissemination is accomplished through the Hydrogen
Information System.
As a source of current information, the Hydrogen
Information System, produces literature searches to
meet the stated needs of members, and regularly cir-
culates a list of titles. The Council's documentation
centre is prepared to promptly provide copies of all
publications cited to members requesting them.
Beyond available literature, the staff of the Tech-
Fig. 10. Hydrogen is essential to the upgrading of oil from unconventional sources such as tar sands.
15
nology Section prepares reports on as-yet unpublished
developments obtained through visits, from members,
and from exchanges with other groups. These reports
are distributed to members and are available in the
Council's documentation centre.
To render this information accessible and useful, the
Council provides in-house services for analyzing and
condensing this information into abstracts for members.
Communications
To maintain active communications between govern-
ments and the hydrogen industry, within the industry
itself, and between the industry and the general public.
It is vital that governments be kept informed of
hydrogen industry problems and opportunities, and no
less important that the industry be aware of govern-
ments' concerns and priorities.
Also significant is the Council's role in fostering and
co-ordinating communications between members so
that, aside from proprietary information, each can ben-
efit from the experience of the others.
Since public interest and approval will provide an
environment in which commercial hydrogen develop-
ment will progress, communications will be maintained
with the general public to ensure the widest appreciation
and approval of hydrogen industry activities and
objectives.
16 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL
The Council publishes the Hydrogen Industry News-
letter as part of its communications program, and also
organizes missions, seminars, workshops and other
technical meetings, as appropriate.
Hydrogen technology applications
To assist in commercializing new technologies and
applications.
This activity meets specific member requirements. It
includes fostering the establishment of pilot-scale and
prototype commmercial hydrogen systems, and, where
desirable, the creation of consortia to bring the
resources of several companies to projects that may
exceed the capabilities of a single organization.
Table 1 shows a range of current and potential large
volume uses of hydrogen.
In some industrial areas, the incentive for immediate
development is strong. The Council's focus is weighted
towards the support of such emerging industrial oppor-
tunities, which will also provide a technological and
economic base for the subsequent exploration and
development of new hydrogen technologies.
Research with an industrial focus
To promote and encourage research and development
projects in hydrogen technology.
While hydrogen is used extensively in the chemical
and petrochemical industries as a raw material, it is
expected to play an increasing role in maximizing
exploitation of conventional energy resources, and
eventually in the transition from hydrocarbons to alter-
nate energy sources. The Council's research and devel-
opment program is therefore designed to exploit the
existing and projected industrial infrastructure as well
as Canada's unique blend of natural and industrial
resources.
An essential part of this activity is defining, recom-
mending, and coordinating research programs required
to support industrial hydrogen projects. These will
include the production, storage and transport of hydro-
gen as well as the safety and reliability of hydrogen
systems.
Production. Canada is well endowed in natural gas
supplies, hydro-electricity, and Candu nuclear power.
A two-fold approach involving both hydrocarbon
sources and electrolysis will expand the opportunities
for member companies to enter the hydrogen field. At
the same time, this will enable them to shift from a
dependency on imported liquid petroleum products to
a reliance on Canada's unique electricity and natural
gas resources. While commercial production systems
are available, much work remains to be done to increase
process efficiencies still further, to reduce capital and
operating costs, and to enhance system reliability.
Storage and transport. Although current programs
focus on production and utilization, the Council foresees
activity in a number of areas in hydrogen transport and
storage. Specific programs will have to be undertaken
once complete production-to-utilization systems are
designed. As an example, the development of large-
scale technology will be required to support the elec-
trical storage programs, while smaller-scale systems will
be needed for the off-road vehicle program.
Safety and reliability. No less important will be
research leading to the establishment of appropriate
safety codes and standards.
A general problem which arises in most hydrogen
applications is materials compatibility. Hydrogen can
have an adverse effect on the integrity of materials used
to handle and contain it. Optimum safety, as well as
performance and service life, will demand a careful
analysis of service conditions, proper selection of
materials, and effective quality control during all stages
of processing and manufacturing. This will require a
comprehensive data base for an extensive variety of
materials over a wide range of operating conditions.
RESEARCH PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
In collaboration with its member companies, the
Council has established a portfolio of research and
development projects designed to meet its members'
commercial objectives while achieving a substantial con-
sumption of hydrogen in industrial and consumer
applications.
Projects are carried out by member companies in
conjunction with associate members from universities
and research institutes. In certain instances, research
projects may be undertaken by the Council itself.
The initial program clearly reflects the interests of
members. It includes projects on the use of hydrogen
in the upgrading of refinery residuals and in the in situ
treatment of heavy oils, in the production of ammonia
and chemical fertilizers, and in the production of meth-
anol from biomass. Other projects relate to hydrogen
fuel cells and their applications, recovery of heavy water
as a by-product of the electrolytic production process,
and use of hydrogen-based fuels for off-road vehicles.
The program will grow and diversify as new members
join and make their interests and needs known. The
Council invites potential members to explore ways in
which its resources and capabilities can be put to work
on their behalf.
Funding of the research programs
Three funding modes will be used for hydrogen tech-
nology development. These include:
• in-house Council funding, through the normal sub-
scriptions of members
• in-house Council funding, through extraordinary sub-
scriptions from members or groups of members
• third-party funding, primarily through government
agencies.
The initial start-up research portfolio will be based
mainly on government funding, with the possibility of
some cost-sharing on the part of the Council and/or its
members.
 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 17

Fig. 11. Containment vessel for water-air-hydrogen combustion mixture experiments.

research, development, or commercial levels. The

Membership
The Council welcomes private and public corpor-
ations and organizations, as well as individuals inter-
ested in the production, storage, transport, distribution,
and use of hydrogen. This interest may be at the
Council has been organized, however, so that its indus-
trial interests and orientation are reflected in its activi-
ties and programs.
Members represent a broad segment of the Canadian
industrial community. Private corporations, both large

Fig. 12. Intermediate temperature test rig for exchange catalyst in hydrogen/water systems.
18 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL

Fig. 13. Hydrogen-fueled tractor.

and small, have united with universities, research insti-
tutes, and provincial and federal governments to create
the Council. This broad representation is expanding as
the Council grows.
The members' present and projected involvement in
industrial applications of hydrogen technologies is sig-
nificant. Industrial producers and consumers in Canada
currently account for 1000 kilotonnes of hydrogen per
year, most of which is gaseous hydrogen used as a
chemical feedstock. Liquid hydrogen finds significant

Fig. 14. Hydrogen liquefaction plant.

 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 19

Fig. 15. Conventional electrolytic hydrogen plant.

application in the merchant market although in con-
siderably lower quantities.
Within the membership, a total of nearly 3000 people
and close to half a billion dollars are involved in in-
house research and development with more than 100
permanent employees and over 10 million dollars of the
research funding devoted to hydrogen technologies.
Thus, the Council is building on a sound base of hydro-
gen use and research experience as it works with its
members to establish its coordinated programs.
There are five categories of membership in the
Council.

Fig. 16. New electrolysis technologies under testing in a bank of experimental cells.
20 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL

O •

Fig. 17. Exterior of the 1.2 MW electrolysis experimental plant at Varennes.

of related equipment, is eligible for Corporate

Corporate members
Any Canadian business enterprise, public utility, or
Crown Corporation which is at present, or intends to
become, involved in research, development, the appli-
cation of hydrogen technologies, or in the manufacture
Membership.
The majority of the fees paid to support the Council
are provided by the Corporate Members. They have
special voting rights and special access to the resources
of the Council.

Fig. 18. The Air Liquide plant in the North of France is Europe's largest industrial liquid hydrogen
plant.
 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 21

I Board of ~)irecLors Government members

The Government of Canada and provincial govern-
I ments are eligible for membership. They are usually
~m~Liltl~e ~UOmLr~itht
fee~ir
s 1 represented by one or more of their Ministries or
I Departments.
!i President
I
I
I Individual members
I I Any individual who is an officer or employee of a
Corporate, Government, or Associate Member, and
who is recommended by such a member, is eligible for

P~ogor~
Researchond
DeveLopment

I
Newstetler
IndustrioL
Hydrogen
Faolieiesl
I
Individual Membership.

PoLicy Poper's Honorary members

I I
Persons who have made outstanding contributions to
the development and growth of the Hydrogen Industry
may be nominated by the Board of Directors to Hon-
I orary Membership.
Opportunity
__1.°.DeveLopment
.... I - - Organization
Fig. 19. The Hydrogen Industry Council's organization chart.
The Council comprises three operating sections
reporting through the President and Chief Executive
Officer to an Executive Committee and a Board of
Directors. These are Technology, Communications and
Administration.
Associate members
The Council is governed by its Board of Directors of
Canadian organizations, such as universities, corpor- fourteen members.
ations, associations, and societies which are not eligible The Council's business is administered by an Execu-
for Corporate Membership in the Council may become tive Committee of seven members. To provide input
Associate Members. and direction to program development, the Executive

Fig. 20. Hydrogen-fueled spacecraft.

22 HYDROGEN INDUSTRY COUNCIL

Fig. 21. Liquid hydrogen tanker truck.

Fig. 22. Electrolyser Inc.'s new generation electrolysis cells in an experimental 0.6 MW hydrogen plant.
 NEW INDUSTRIAL OPPORTUNITIES 23
Committee has created the Scientific Research Com- The Secretary
mittee and the Public Affairs Committee. Each of these Hydrogen Industry Council
is chaired by a member of the Board of Directors. 1000 Sherbrooke St., West
The Council invites all companies and organizations Suite 1900
with an interest in hydrogen technologies and their Montreal, Quebec, Canada
present and future industrial applications to join the H3A 3L9
Council.
Contact the Secretary for more information on the Cette information est 6galement disponible en

Council and its programs and services, and to explore frangais.

the mutual benefits of membership.

MEMBERS OF THE HYDROGEN INDUSTRY

COUNCIL

Alcan International Ltd Hydro-Quebec/Ireq

Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd Arthur C. Johnson & Associates
Bell Canada Laval University
Canadian Liquid Air Ltd Lavalin Inc
Canatom Inc Maritime Technology Consultants Ltd
C-I-L Inc Nouveler
Ecole Polytechnique of Montreal Petroles Esso Canada
Electrolyser Inc/Noranda Mines Pica-Mirabel
Gaz Metropolitain Inc Quebec Industrial Research Center/CRIQ
Government of Canada SNC
Government of Quebec Societ6 Energies Nouvelles Rouyn-Noranda Inc
Government of Manitoba Tektrend International Inc
Huron Chemicals Ltd