Cleantech startup for Oil & Gas and other industries
About
HYS ENERGY LTD is an Israeli Cleantech startup working on the development of a new electrochemical process for the utilization of sulfur-containing acid gases.
We use a waste-to-energy approach and implement the latest achievements of emerging technologies for cleaner, safer and more efficient treatment of sulfur-containing harmful by-products of Oil & Gas and other industries.
The Modified Direct Seawater Electrolysis Process for efficient Green Hydrogen production is the second technology we are working on, “Patent Pending” intellectual property protection.
Sulfur Problem
Each year a large amount of sulfur-containing acid gases Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfur Dioxide is being generated worldwide as flue gases or involuntary harmful by-products of different industries: petroleum and natural gas production, power generation, metallurgy, chemical industry, cement production.
Due to adverse effects of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) on industrial processes, human health and the environment, it is necessary to remove these acid gases from all effluent streams.
Screenshot of SO2 emission hotspot intensity map based on NASA OMI database.
According to a Greenpeace report, power plants burning coal and oil along with refineries are responsible for two-thirds of the anthropogenic sulfur dioxide. Metals smelters are the other major sources worldwide.
Sources identified by NASA OMI for SO2 emissions (kt/yr) across the world in 2018
The SO2 emissions from fossil fuel power generation and from oil and gas industry can be partially reduced in transition to reliable, affordable and sustainable energy supply.
The role of hydrocarbons declines as the world transitions to lower carbon energy sources. The path to a more sustainable energy is likely to lead to fundamental restructuring of the global energy system, and the renewable energy is likely to be the fastest growing source of energy over the next 30 years. The use of hydrogen grows significantly in accelerated and net zero scenarios. The production of hydrogen will be dominated by a mix of blue and green hydrogen, where blue hydrogen will be produced from fossil sources, when combined with Carbon Capture Use & Storage (“Energy Outlook, 2022”, BP).
However, according to OPEC and several major oil companies, it is most likely that the share of fossil fuels, especially natural gas, in the global energy mix will remain significant over decades.
Source: OPEC World Oil Outlook 2045
At the same time, the further hydrocarbon production will be affected by changes in quality of Oil & Gas reserves and increasing sulfur content.
Source: OPEC
Climate change concern, more stringent environmental regulations, and the resulting need to remove sulfur-containing acid gases to ever-lower levels are among the factors that generate a great demand for flue gas desulfurization and sulfur recovery technologies.
There is a number of industrial processes for acid gas treatment, but they are CAPEX and OPEX intensive.
Electrochemical Sulfur Treatment
HYS ENERGY LTD develops a new electrochemical process for utilization of sulfur-containing acid gases, involuntary harmful by-products of different industries. Their treatment represents a significant industrial concern. The process provides a more cost-effective and safe way for their utilization, compared to traditional technologies.
Waste-to-energy approach: utilization of these by-products is combined with hydrogen production or electricity generation.
The feed/electrolyte solution comprising a sulfur-containing acid gas and an absorbent is introduced into an electrochemical cell, where hydrogen is electrochemically produced (e.g. by reduction of H2S or water) and the sulfur is oxidized.
The Company’s technological solution represents an electrochemical plant for the treatment of sulfur-containing acid gases supplied in the solution with an organic absorbent. The Electrochemical Cell Module is the centerpiece of the plant and is comprised of multiple electrochemical cells operating in parallel.
Advantages: – Substantial CAPEX & OPEX reduction. – More efficient hydrogen production than water electrolysis. – Hydrogen is a valuable energy carrier, reagent & feedstock. – Safety operation – avoidance of dangerous burning of toxic gases.
Direct Seawater Electrolysis
The Modified Direct Seawater Electrolysis Process* for efficient Green Hydrogen production solves one of the major constraints of conventional water electrolysis, which requires potable water.
Freshwater is likely to become a scarce resource for more than 80% of the world’s population, while the desalination of seawater, its further purification, and transportation contribute additional costs.
Seawater could be an abundant source of hydrogen. However, direct seawater electrolysis is currently used commercially for chlorine production. Hydrogen is generated as a by-product.
The main challenges of direct seawater electrolysis: – Production of toxic chlorine and corrosion at the anode; – Magnesium hydroxide & calcium carbonate precipitation; – Low electrolyte conductivity resulting in high power requirements.
The proposed Modified Direct Seawater Electrolysis Process solves these challenges and provides a more economical way for the electrolytic hydrogen production compared to conventional water electrolysis.
Advantages: – Capable of operating with seawater directly; – No need for disposal of desalination brine; – Requires much less electricity than conventional water electrolysis.
The lower energy consumption of the MDSE process reduces the cost of Green Hydrogen production to a level comparable to Grey Hydrogen from fossil fuels.
The founders of the company have multidisciplinary competencies both in traditional industries (e.g. Oil & Gas business) and in emerging electrochemical technologies, like fuel cells, PEM and AEM electrolyzers.
The interdisciplinary approach provides a bridge from emerging technologies to traditional industries.
