从赔本到狂赚！中国海水制氢玩出新花样，产氢顺带造工业香饽饽

Core Viewpoint - The breakthrough in seawater hydrogen production by a Chinese research team led by Academician Xie Heping marks a significant advancement in the energy sector, potentially ending the reliance on costly desalination methods previously favored in the West [1][21]. Group 1: Technical Challenges and Solutions - Seawater contains 92 dissolved chemical elements, making it a challenging medium for electrolysis due to the corrosive nature of chlorine and magnesium ions [3][5]. - Traditional electrolysis equipment has a very short lifespan when directly exposed to seawater, often failing within hours due to corrosion and fouling [3][5]. - The Western approach to seawater hydrogen production has focused on desalination, which is expensive and inefficient, leading to higher costs compared to hydrogen production from coal or oil [5][7]. Group 2: Innovative Technology - The new technology developed by the Chinese team involves a special gel membrane that allows water vapor to pass while blocking harmful ions, effectively purifying seawater in situ [9][11]. - This gel membrane technology significantly reduces energy consumption to 4.5 kWh/Nm³, aligning the cost of seawater hydrogen production with that of pure water hydrogen production [11][21]. - The system features a self-regulating mechanism that adjusts water intake based on consumption, simplifying the design and reducing failure rates compared to traditional systems [13][15]. Group 3: Market Implications and Strategic Importance - The procurement of a 100 Nm³/h alkaline electrolysis unit by Shenzhen University signifies the transition from experimental technology to industrial application, indicating readiness for large-scale deployment [15][17]. - The ability to convert excess wind energy into hydrogen directly from seawater addresses the issue of energy wastage in coastal regions, providing a more efficient solution than traditional grid connections [17][19]. - The modular nature of the new technology allows for deployment in remote areas, potentially transforming isolated islands into self-sufficient energy and water stations, enhancing China's strategic capabilities in maritime regions [19][21].