4.1.1 Generation options

Hydrogen can be produced at large central production facilities and delivered to the point of use or produced at the point of use, an option that is not available for conventional fuels like natural gas.  For small-scale stationary applications, the usual method of delivery from production facilities to site is by single transportable cylinders or manifolded packs of cylinders.  An option for the future is via the existing natural gas transmission system.  Work is currently in progress to explore the feasibility of using the existing system to transport mixtures of natural gas and hydrogen, with the hydrogen being separated out at the point of use [18].

Methods of on-site production include reforming of natural gas, the gas being supplied by the existing natural gas distribution network and the electrolysis of water.  Production units being developed for domestic applications potentially have the capability to generate enough hydrogen to supply a fuel cell (to provide electricity and heating for the home) and re-fuel a hydrogen-powered car.  The widespread adoption of on-site production would reduce the need for large-scale hydrogen production facilities and the associated distribution and storage infrastructure.