In last week’s episode of Energy Matters, Roshan Ramnarain travelled to China to visit LAVO’s hydrogen production facilities. Hosted by Sherry Feng, the tour revealed how hydrogen is processed from raw materials to become a viable energy source. As Australia explores cleaner alternatives, hydrogen is shaping up as a key player in the renewable energy mix.
About the episode
Roshan Ramnarain got an exclusive look at LAVO’s cutting-edge hydrogen technology, gaining insights from industry expert Sherry Feng. The episode dove into how LAVO is revolutionising energy storage with hydrogen and how China’s advanced manufacturing capabilities are driving innovation in this space.
Roshan’s tour began at the hydrogen ingot manufacturing plant, where titanium and manganese are combined to form ingots. We saw the oven where the ingots take shape and the mechanical fragmentation process, where they are broken down into smaller metal hydride pieces.
These smaller hydride pieces are stored in large vessels. After electrolysis splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, the hydrogen is transported and absorbed into the metal hydrides for safe and efficient storage.
Once stored, the hydrogen remains in the metal hydrides until it’s needed. When energy is required, a process called desorption occurs, where the hydrogen is released by applying heat or lowering pressure. The released hydrogen can then be fed into a fuel cell, where it reacts with oxygen to generate electricity.
When energy is needed, the hydrogen is released from the metal hydrides through a controlled heating process. It is then fed into a fuel cell, where it combines with oxygen to generate electricity—providing a clean and reliable power source.
The visit highlights the potential of hydrogen as a clean, efficient, and scalable energy solution for both local and global markets.
Hydrogen production: how it works
LAVO’s facility in China takes viewers through the entire hydrogen process—starting with raw material extraction, through electrolysis, storage, and finally, integration into energy systems. The process begins with water, which undergoes electrolysis to split hydrogen from oxygen. The hydrogen is then safely stored in metal hydride tanks, offering a more efficient and long-term energy storage solution. This stored hydrogen can be converted back into electricity through fuel cells, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source.
The future of hydrogen power in Australia
As Australia pushes towards net-zero, hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer in the energy landscape. With LAVO’s pioneering technology, homes and businesses could soon integrate hydrogen storage into their renewable energy systems. Government incentives and private investment are accelerating its adoption, making it a viable option for grid stability, transport, and off-grid energy solutions. The insights from this episode underline the potential for hydrogen to power a cleaner, greener Australia.
Missed the episode? No worries! Catch up now via 9Now. You can also catch encore screenings on Sunday at 8 am, Tuesday at 6:30 am, and Thursday at 10:30 am.
