US-based company Element 1 has developed a range of methanol-to-hydrogen generators that it says takes advantage of the relatively low cost of methanol. Mixed with water, it is rich in hydrogen, making it more cost effective than many other feedstocks, with much lower levels of harmful emissions. The cost of reforming methanol is about one third the cost of reforming natural gas, says the company. It occurs at half the temperature of natural gas reforming, and this lower temperature translates to lower cost materials, less insulation and fewer parts. The cost of methanol is often lower than the cost of compressed hydrogen and in many cases provides the lowest cost of hydrogen at the point of use. Additionally, a mix of methanol and water has a freezing point of -71℃, so it can be used as a feedstock in cold climates. Its hydrogen generation capacity is not affected by low temperatures and it can be stored indefinitely without degradation in fuel quality. This means storage tanks can be larger, making refuelling costs lower. Element l has joined into a partnership with Maritime Partners and Ardmore Shipping to create a joint venture called e1 Marine, and the company's M-series methanol to hydrogen generator received Approval in Principle (AiP) for marine applications from Lloyd's Register in May. Lloyd's Register has also confirmed that final approval for the technology is possible, including for inland waterways.
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