STRIVE 111 - New approaches to renewable energy

STRIVE 111 - Dr Mary Pryce, Prof. Han Vos, Jennifer Manton, Suraj Soman, Avishek Paul, Prof. Sven Rau

Summary: The project has demonstrated the first step towards the development of a green approach to CO2 reduction and recycling, and delivers a technology where hydrogen can be produced from water at room temperature.

 Key points/ Findings

This project delivers a technology where hydrogen can be produced from water at room temperature which brings us closer to a green supply of energy.

• The project has identified both inorganic & organic molecules that produce hydrogen efficiently.
• The ultimate realisation of a hydrogen-based economy could potentially result in enormous environmental, societal and economic benefits, together with enhanced security of energy supply.
• The project has demonstrated the first step towards the development of a green approach to CO2 reduction and recycling.
• At present the further commercialisation of the results obtained is under way.

Recommendations

• To achieve the benefits of a truly sustainable hydrogen energy economy, hydrogen has to be produced from non-fossil fuel resources, such as water.
• A number of challenges must be overcome for hydrogen to be used widely as a sustainable energy carrier, which is low carbon, low polluting and low cost. Achieving such low cost and efficient solar energy production of hydrogen requires research and the development of innovative materials, novel synthetic techniques and new concept designs.
• If we are to achieve the full environmental benefit of hydrogen as an energy carrier, low carbon intensive, low polluting, and lower cost processes for producing hydrogen from renewable energy sources must be developed.
• Irish technology development and methods in this field of environmental technology can be exported worldwide to address global issues.

For further information

Dr Mary Pryce, School of Chemistry, Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland.