Prospecção da disponibilidade do níquel para subsidiar a produção do hidrogênio verde

Abstract

The growing concern about climate change and the search for sustainable solutions are driving the investigation of clean energy sources. In this context, green hydrogen could represent a promising option. However, for an energy transition to occur, it is necessary that the production of related raw materials can keep up with the change. This study aimed to prospect the availability of nickel to support the production of green hydrogen. In the first part of the research, the composition of the components used in alkaline electrolysis for green hydrogen production was studied through descriptive research via a bibliographic review of books and scientific articles. Subsequently, a survey of nickel production and its applications in various sectors in the global context was conducted. This stage was divided into two phases. In the first phase, the survey on nickel production was conducted through descriptive quantitative research via a bibliographic review of government documents and market data. In the second phase, the applications of nickel in each sector were recorded, as well as the quantity consumed. Descriptive quantitative research was carried out through a bibliographic review of government documents and market data. Finally, an analysis of the availability of nickel to support green hydrogen production was conducted. For this estimate, a specific scenario was adopted, considering an electrolyzer and a material for the electrode, which was AISI 304 stainless steel. Calculations were made to estimate the mass of nickel needed to support green hydrogen production. Consequently, it was possible to identify that nickel production cannot support green hydrogen production according to current expectations, estimating about 119.109 thousand tons of nickel to meet an estimated production of 32 million tons of green hydrogen by the year 2030