How hydrogen-powered drilling can reshape clean geotechnical construction
Source：Innovation News Network
Hydrogen-powered drilling promises a sustainable alternative that can boost clean geotechnical construction practices in the long term.
The construction industry has its fair share of heavy machinery, and many consume great amounts of fossil fuels. Innovative technology like hydrogen-powered drilling can provide a potential alternative to lessen dependence on diesel and transform the sector. However, there’s much to explore before it can reach its full potential.
How hydrogen-powered drilling works
Hydrogen-powered drilling uses a rig powered by hydrogen fuel cells instead of fossil fuels. Its configuration ensures that the chemical energy from these renewable resources is converted into electricity and used to power the engines, pumps and other associated equipment for these operations.
Many applications have used hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity, specifically in vehicles and other mobile machinery, which is a testament to their effectiveness at powering these tools. That said, it is a newer innovation that some companies may only test alongside their existing natural gas infrastructure for a more hybrid setup.
Environmental and operational benefits
Hydrogen-powered drilling offers a wide array of benefits, both in terms of environmental impact and operational efficiency. Here’s an overview of what to expect.
Reduced emissions
Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can deliver the same performance without contributing to environmental pollution. A study found that using green hydrogen instead of diesel in the refinery reduces 21.74kg of CO2 emissions, making it a viable substitute.
Sourcing the hydrogen can also yield zero or fewer emissions since it’s a renewable source. In contrast, fossil fuels would require extraction and processing, which creates further environmental damage.
Lower noise pollution
One of the most significant problems with drilling operations is the disturbances they can cause. Running the engine and drilling can cause a lot of noise, which would inconvenience passersby and homeowners.
Constant noise exposure can also affect workers’ well-being in the long run. Thankfully, fuel cell technology is quieter when operating since there are fewer parts involved. There is also less smog, reducing the chances of on-site health problems.
Improved site safety
The terms “hydrogen” and “chemical energy” can suggest that these compounds are hazardous to humans. However, green hydrogen is nontoxic and disperses faster, making it safer than diesel, gasoline and propane.
The only caveat with hydrogen is that cleanup is needed before its applications. It can also be flammable, but most conventional fuels have the same properties, and the proper precautions and equipment can mitigate potential issues.
Greater off-grid operation potential
Most renewable energy sources have gained favour because of their production methods, and hydrogen’s electrolysis can occur virtually anywhere. Fewer restrictions on where to set up drilling operation sites can improve efficiency.
Using hydrogen in off-grid systems also has its own benefits. For instance, a study finds that it reduces your levelised cost of energy, which means more savings in the long run. The renewable energy system would not harm those within the off-grid community.
More sustainability in the industry
The geotechnical construction industry is still mitigating its environmental impact. Drilling is a key step in oil and gas operations and was responsible for 15% of energy-related emissions worldwide in 2023.
Adopting hydrogen-powered drilling in operations can help position the sector to seem more environmentally friendly. Companies that become pioneers for clean energy in the long run.
Integration with other clean construction technologies
Hydrogen-powered drilling can influence project design and delivery, as it requires specific equipment to make it a reality. For instance, hydrogen energy needs adequate storage to ensure a backup supply for operations. Some iterations involve underground storage, which can mitigate leakage and contamination.
Hydrogen infrastructure would also require deep foundation support, especially within more limited spaces. Cased micropiles can minimise requirements for extensive soil stabilisation and lower the cost of these installations.
It’s also worth investing in more eco-friendly variants of the actual drilling mechanisms.
Recyclable materials like aluminium and steel can ensure operational efficiency without much change. Use of plant-based and nontoxic lubricants is also key.
What adopting hydrogen-powered drilling for geotechnical construction looks like
One case study of hydrogen-powered drilling comes from Schlumberger and Hyzon Motors. The fuel-cell technology was purpose-built for durability and performance ahead of robust oil and gas field operations. Fuel use and emissions would be reduced by up to 25%, according to company estimates.
If produced cleanly, a drilling rig completely powered by hydrogen fuel cells could eliminate 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum. Schlumberger supported the commercialisation of the product to new and existing customers who needed it.
Another separate trial was the Zero Carbon Hydrogen Construction Equipment for Real World Use or ZECHER, from 2022 to 2023. It utilises a dual fuel piling rig that operates on both hydrogen and hydrotreated vegetable oil. Phase one of the trial showed that seven hours of operation lessened diesel consumption by 30 litres, exceeding its hydrogen displacement goals.
The success prompted further integration of hydrogen-powered drilling into their projects. The National Highways in the Lower Thames Crossing Project is one initiative committed to using it. However, it also raised questions about how soon industrywide implementation can occur.
Limitations to address
As promising as hydrogen-powered drilling is, several things block its widespread adoption. For instance, simplifying hydrogen storage and transport is key to making it a more attractive path for geotechnical construction teams. While there are fewer components, the machinery can still be complex for those without experience.
The development of these technologies would require further research and trials before they’re even made marketable. Even then, workforces need skills training in safely and efficiently using hydrogen fuel cells.
Another concern is the technology’s overall durability. While there have been successful trials, there is still a lack of evidence about how hydrogen fuel cells would fare in more extreme drilling rig operations, which involve intense temperatures and unknown terrain.
There’s also the matter of pricing. From a business perspective, investing in clean energy may seem too expensive. It is also still unstable, unlike more conventional fuels. Unless pilot programmes or partnerships are formed, as in other trials, adoption may be delayed.
What the future holds
Business leaders who want to invest in advanced technology and sustainability will be eager to integrate hydrogen-powered drilling into their operations when feasible. Only time will tell just how much.
The UK government is already trying to grow its hydrogen economy by holding allocation rounds for different business models that are implementing hydrogen infrastructure. In November 2023, it announced a £960 million fund called Green Industries Growth Accelerator.
Reshaping and championing clean geotechnical construction
Hydrogen-powered drilling can be quite the game-changer in the construction industry, considering it’s safer, more sustainable and more operationally efficient.
However, operations must conduct further research to propel the clean energy movement forward.