Danish Strategy for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells - HY-CO Home

other uses. Wind power based electrolysis and gasification/fermentation of
biomass would therefore also be relevant in Denmark.
Reforming
The reforming process typically consists of
a catalytic process in which a fossil fuel
(e.g. natural gas) is converted into hydrogen
and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). This process can
take place in large centralised plants with
subsequent hydrogen distribution or in
smaller decentralised plants with local
hydrogen use.
Haldor Topsøe A/S is a world-leader in
hydrogen production through catalytic
reforming of natural gas in large
centralised plants. Small decentralised
reforming plants are being developed
in Denmark, e.g. at DTU. DTU
estimates that the area has a potential
that can be developed jointly by the
university and large Danish industrial
companies.
Gasification/fermentation of biomass
The gasification of biomass produces
methane-containing gas that in turn can be
converted to hydrogen in a reforming
process. The biological hydrogen production
involves photosynthesis, known from
nature, and a fermentation process in which
micro-organisms convert organic matter to
hydrogen. The most recent development in
connection with the fermentation of
biomass, however, is the coproduction of
hydrogen and other hydrogen-containing
Danish knowledge of fermentation
is world class (Danish Centre for
Biofuels, DTU, Risø National
Laboratory, KVL, Elsam, and
others), and there is considerable
commercial interest in its
development and use. Denmark has
considerable commercial
experience with small gasification
plants.
fuels 5 according to the so-called “bio-refinery” concept for the production of
e.g.. bioethanol.
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a process in which electricity
splits water into its basic components:
hydrogen and oxygen.
There are no Danish manufacturers of
electrolysors. However, the knowledge
of fuel cell technology available in
Danish research environments such as
Risø National Laboratory, IRD Fuel
Cells and DTU is an excellent basis for
the development of future, more
efficient electrolysis technologies,
5 In this context, other hydrogen-containing fuels primarily involve liquid biofuel for replacement
of petrol and diesel in the transport sector. It should be noted that all fuels contain hydrogen.
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