中国攻克海水制氢新技术，外媒评价：石油或将变成“白菜价”

Core Insights - Hydrogen energy is gaining popularity as a clean alternative to traditional fossil fuels, with China making significant advancements in this field, particularly through the innovative work of a team led by Academician Xie Heping [2][4][6] - The new method developed by Xie Heping's team allows for direct hydrogen extraction from seawater without the need for desalination, significantly reducing costs and increasing efficiency [6][10][12] Hydrogen Energy Popularity - Hydrogen is abundant on Earth but requires extraction from water or other sources, with traditional methods being costly and resource-intensive [4] - Seawater, which contains a vast amount of hydrogen, has been challenging to utilize due to its salinity and impurities, which can corrode equipment and complicate the electrolysis process [4][6] Technological Innovation - The breakthrough involves a phase change transfer method that uses steam pressure differences to separate ions and microorganisms from seawater, allowing for cleaner electrolysis [6][8] - The team published their findings in a prestigious journal, gaining international recognition for solving a long-standing challenge in hydrogen production [8][10] Practical Implementation - In May 2023, the team conducted a successful pilot test in collaboration with Dongfang Electric Group, utilizing a floating platform powered by wind energy to directly electrolyze seawater [10][12] - The cost of hydrogen production was reduced to 0.4 yuan per cubic meter, which is 80% lower than traditional methods, enhancing energy efficiency [10][12][22] Future Developments - The technology has been recognized as one of China's top scientific advancements in 2022, with plans for larger-scale production and further innovations in the coming years [12][14] - By 2024, the team aims to establish a large-scale research base for direct hydrogen production from seawater, with significant production capacity [12][14] Global Impact - The advancements in hydrogen technology position China as a leader in the field, potentially reshaping the global energy landscape and reducing reliance on oil [14][16][24] - International media has noted the implications of China's progress, with concerns about the impact on oil prices and market dynamics [16][24][25]