Hydrogen Power Generation

Information and FAQ’s

About Hydrogen:

The last thing we here at Jetstream Wind, Inc. want is for people to be afraid of hydrogen. We also see that the best way to work through a fear around something is to gain knowledge and understanding of it.

It was odd for humanity, we’re sure, when the first airplane took flight, the first x-ray was taken, or the first form of smart nanotechnology showed itself. Whether it be new technology or hurdles we can fly over with the help of new technology, we will continue, as intelligent humans, to move forward into unchartered territory to solve each new problem as it arises.

As we begin looking at the most efficient and effective forms of energy production in order to find the needed solutions to our energy, environment and economical issues, we at Jetstream Wind, Inc. focused our attention on hydrogen because and most importantly, it’s found everywhere on our planet in abundant supply. It’s in the water we drink and bathe in and in the rain that falls from the skies. It is found in the vast oceans that sustain the life on our planet and is the first element on the periodic table. 80% of the universe is composed of hydrogen and it is a part of every living thing on the planet. Without it, life would not exist. It is, to us, considered to be one of the most beautiful elements on Earth and has the absolute ability of becoming the energy carrier that will fuel our planet with clean energy far into the future.

Pound for pound, hydrogen contains almost three times more energy as does natural gas, and when utilized for energy production, its only emission is pure, plain water. But unlike oil and gas, hydrogen is not a fuel but a carrier for storing or transporting energy. It is combustible and has been used as a fuel for centuries. To utilize it, however, it must be created from splitting the water molecule, which historically has been done either by extracting hydrogen from fossil fuels, or by using electricity to split it from water in less cost and energy-effective methods.

By its very nature, hydrogen is actually less flammable than gasoline and won’t even ignite until 550 degrees Celsius is reached, as opposed to gasoline, which ignites at 228 to 501 degrees Celsius, making it no more or less as safe as gasoline and other fuels. Hydrogen, which exists as a gas under normal atmospheric conditions is a colorless, odorless, tasteless and non-toxic gas that burns when mixed with air, which also can be safely transported. It is extremely light and buoyant, so should it escape from its containers, it will dissipate into the open air very quickly, making any flammable concentration of hydrogen unlikely.

References to the Hindenburg and the H-Bomb:

Although there still may be people who believe that the cause of the Hindenburg explosion was the result of hydrogen leaking, igniting and exploding into flames, like other events in our history books, the facts get tainted by opinion, limited flow of communication and limited understanding of the time. The hydrogen "fear" came about many years ago and caused an unfortunate blanket decision regarding one of the most abundant and internationally available elements on our planet and the cleanest possible source of energy to power our lives.

The fire seen in the historic pictures of the Hindenburg was caused by aluminum and iron oxide, two ingredients found in rocket fuel that coated the airship. An electrical discharge took place and set fire to the ship, which was quickly engulfed in flames. There were approximately 35 people on board the Hindenburg who perished during this flight, and most died as a result of jumping off the edge of the airship while it was still far above the ground. One of those 35 people died from burns related to the flammable coating and one from burns associated with the on-board diesel fuel.

No one was burnt or died because of hydrogen. And even though the hydrogen did burn, it burnt very quickly and in an upward direction away from the people below.

We would also like to make reference to the H-Bomb or Hydrogen Bomb. Over the years, hydrogen use has also gathered a good amount of fear because of a process that is worlds away from hydrogen used as fuel. The nuclear fusion reactions involved in creating the H-Bomb have nothing to do with hydrogen used as a fuel in internal combustion and the splitting of the water molecule. To create hydrogen from water, the two hydrogen molecules and the one oxygen molecule (from the H₂0) are separated through electrolysis. Burning hydrogen, like any other fuel source is a chemical reaction, meaning electrons get switched around and new compounds are formed…water.

When ultra purity hydrogen is combusted and used as a fuel, only pure water is produced. No CO² emissions, no dark clouds of air pollution, no radioactive remnants, no waste gases, no spills, and no contaminating our air, soil and water.

How our Renewable to Hydrogen power plant works:

DC current from renewable sources runs an electrolyzer which separates the hydrogen and oxygen in the water. The hydrogen is compressed and stored within composite materials in below-ground bunkers. The hydrogen fuel then can be run through an internal combustion engine and fed back to the grid as electricity.

How big will this plant be?

The entire project will utilize approximately 600-650 acres. The renewable hydrogen power plant itself will take up about 4 acres. The remainder of the project land will be used for solar panels, and the amount of land used should decrease as efficiency levels rise quickly in the solar industry.

What will it look like?

Even with the proper renewable combinatory system in place, the aesthetics of the plant are paramount to creating an entire picture of environmental sustainability, and with that, we don’t just stop at the technology.

Our plants will not only complement the local environment in their look and style, but will also mesh with the local landscapes.

Will it cause electricity rates to rise?

If you look at the cost per kilowatt-hour of coal it’s about 8.2 cents in most places, and if you look at the cost of natural gas it’s about 10.4 cents per kilowatt-hour. We’re already at a point where we can match these, and will probably come in cheaper per kilowatt-hour with our process.

How efficient is this technology?

This is technology that was not available a year ago. It is obviously very efficient, and efficiency levels are continually rising every day as the industry is advancing. It is currently just as efficient as a natural gas-fired power plant, and we expect the efficiency levels to rise even beyond that.

Is this plant funded by tax dollars?

Our seventeen mega-watt hydrogen plant in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico will not be funded by tax dollars. There is already enough of a burden on taxpayers in our country. Our entire renewable energy portfolio is designed to give back instead of taking. It is for the benefit of the consumers, the taxpayers, the landowners, the investors, the economy and the environment.

How will this plant derive income?

Income will be derived from the sale of electricity and the sale of hydrogen.

As to the sale of electricity, there are two ways this is accomplished: The first is a power purchase agreement. This is a contract over a period of years for the purchase of generated electricity from renewable sources in this state. The second is called “the day-ahead bid process” and this is set up so that in emergency situations, power can be supplied to those areas.

We’re in the process of examining which of these two scenarios will best serve the electrical needs of not only the communities in New Mexico, but also communities elsewhere where electricity is in short supply during certain periods.

Zero emissions…really?

Yes! Zero harmful emissions is a necessary piece of this technology.

Placing our focus on energy alone was never enough to solve all of the issues. The environmental impacts that have been placed upon the planet through energy production must cease. Therefore, in designing this technology, the environment was at the top of the list, along with efficiency and economic return.

Absolutely no harmful or toxic emissions will be coming from these power plants. As water is split into hydrogen and oxygen, there will be a slight bit of water vapor emitted but the majority of this will be captured.

Is this proven technology?

It is absolutely proven. On August 14, 2009, the Italian power company, ENEL, announced that their 12 mega-watt hydrogen-powered electricity plant in Fusina has come on-line.

This plant is considered to be a very solid step in the right direction as zero emissions are created by burning the hydrogen to produce electricity. The hydrogen that is supplied to the new power plant, however, is transported by pipeline from a nearby petrochemical plant, which in itself creates large amount of CO₂.

In the United States, The National Renewable Energy Laboratory has successfully implemented their wind-to-hydrogen project at the National Wind Technology Center. This project has the proven capacity to utilize renewable energy (wind) to create the power to easily produce zero-emission hydrogen and electricity.

What are the benefits of this power plant?

These plants have many benefits. Not only do they have the capability to attach to existing solar and wind farms already in existence in order to firm up variable renewable power, but with this technological configuration, we can also adapt existing natural gas fire plants to burn renewably generated hydrogen at cost competitive rates with no harmful emissions.

But we don’t stop there. Some of the additional highlights of this system also include:

The ability to use nearly any renewable energy power source.
Hydrogen storage, allowing consistent dispatch back into the grid using sustainable resources and providing “firm” renewable power back to our aging grid system.
Reduced water consumption – the plant design uses approximately the same amount of water per year as a New Mexico residential home, as it recycles water back through the plant’s system for continuous reuse.
The ability to provide approximately 7000 homes and businesses with electricity.
The plant design produces additional ultra-pure liquid hydrogen and oxygen. These are very usable byproducts, cleanly produced and used as a commodity to multiple industries.