Panametrics Hydrogen Q&A

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• Hydrogen is one of the fastest growing market segments today.  It is one of the key solutions in achieving a net zero emissions economy by 2050. 
• Hydrogen is being used to replace traditional fossil fuels in many applications, for example: fuel for heavy vehicles; a substitute for natural gas to provide heating; and as a means of storing energy. 
• The demand for hydrogen is at an all-time high and forecast to grow further.
• As an analyzer business, we have a key role to play in helping facilitate this energy transition. 

• We can play right across the hydrogen value chain, from production and transportation to utilization.
• Today the majority of hydrogen is produced from natural gas in a process called steam methane reforming. This is an energy intensive process and a significant contributor to global emissions.
• A second way to produce hydrogen is to separate water into its constituent parts of hydrogen and oxygen, through a process called electrolysis. If the electrolysis process is powered by renewable energy like solar or wind, you have completely emissions free hydrogen, or “Green Hydrogen”. 
• Both the steam methane reforming and electrolysis processes need sensors to determine the quality of the hydrogen they are producing.
• This is where Panametrics comes in to play.  With our sensor technologies, we measure the hydrogen purity and also impurities in the hydrogen such as moisture and oxygen.

• We have different technology options for the different measurements required, including thermal conductivity for hydrogen purity, electrochemical fuel cell for oxygen, aluminum oxide and laser for moisture.
• All offer unrivalled accuracy, reliability and performance with the guarantee of quality that the Panametrics brand is known for.
• The products are resilient and compact and suited for measurement in both hazardous and safe area classifications. These are all important criteria for customers in the hydrogen space.

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• While the term “the hydrogen economy” is talked about a lot right now, the reality is we have been providing measurements across the hydrogen value chain for many years.
• We have been the go-to analyzer supplier of choice for many gas manufacturers on their steam methane reformer units over many years.
• We have long historical working relationships with electrolyzer manufacturers globally, providing products and after sales and service support for their electrolysis machines.
• We also have numerous installations at large hydrogen end-users like refineries, steel and power plants.

• While we have a great track record and installed base in the hydrogen sector, there are many new areas opening up. 
• For example, transportation of hydrogen through existing natural gas pipelines or new dedicated hydrogen pipelines, along with plans to use hydrogen as a fuel for heavy vehicles like trucks and buses.

• Hydrogen opportunities are central to the Panametrics growth plan.  Our target is to be a leading instrumentation player in the Hydrogen Economy.
• I’m pleased that we are increasingly viewed not only as a supplier but as a consultant and partner that can point customers in the right direction in terms of technology selection for their critical measurement needs.
• Through our roles on advisory bodies and testing on pilot plants we will help shape the future of analytical measurements for the hydrogen economy.  
• Achieving our hydrogen ambitions will take commitment, talent and technology.  Across Panametrics we have all three in abundance.  The hydrogen journey is going to be an exciting one!

Gerard McKeogh                                      

- Leader, Process Analyzers, Panametrics