Currently, the world is revising the concept of fuel and energy complex development in light of the energy transition. It is predicted that the share of carbon raw materials in the fuel and energy basket will decrease from 99% to 29% by 2060 and the share of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar energy, will increase significantly.
One of the alternative energy sources is hydrogen. It is considered a universal energy carrier and is of particular interest due to its clean combustion product — water. The introduction of a hydrogen energy system will help maintain long-term energy and environmental sustainability, which is confirmed by experts in this field. On April 1, 2022, the first Hydrogen Energy Competence Center (HECC) in Kazakhstan and Central Asia was officially launched, which is currently the Department of Alternative Energy (hereinafter referred to as DAE) and the Hydrogen Technology Research Laboratory (hereinafter referred to as HTRL) in Kazakhstan, based at KMG Engineering LLP. HECC is a research hub where clean fuels are explored and low-carbon development technologies are implemented, including hydrogen and its chemical compounds.
Opening of the Scientific Laboratory Research Center, Atyrau 2024
The HTRL of the Atyrau branch of KMG Engineering LLP conducts research on hydrogen energy with the aim of partnership and implementation in industry. Since the successful implementation of the hydrogen economy is impossible without effective storage systems, the Laboratory focuses on research on the development of alloys and structural analyzes for the safe and efficient storage and transportation of hydrogen. Storing hydrogen in the form of metal hydrides is a more compact method with the lowest energy costs.
The laboratory’s experts conduct experiments on the synthesis of alloys and structural analyzes, including the synthesis of a titanium-based alloy under various conditions, the study of the composition and morphological properties, and the analysis of the sorption characteristics of the synthesized materials. For these purposes, the laboratory is equipped with modern equipment that has no analogues in Kazakhstan. We purchased a particle analyzer for measuring the size of metal powders, a gas analyzer for experiments on the absorption and desorption of hydrogen, a differential scanning calorimeter, a ball mill for the preparation of metal powders.
The first sample of titanium-based powders for hydrogen storage prepared at the Hydrogen Technology Research Laboratory
Gas analyzer for measuring hydrogen absorption and desorption
Differential scanning calorimeter
Particle size analyzer
This technology can be used to prepare stationary and mobile containers for storing hydrogen. Thus, the implementation of this project will enable KMG to obtain a patent for an invention, which in the future may lead to the production of transport containers for «blue» and/or «green» hydrogen both for the domestic market and for export outside the country. This opens up new prospects for the development of hydrogen energy in Kazakhstan and helps strengthen its position in the international clean energy market.
The main activities of the laboratory:
- Search for and comprehensive analysis of research projects on hydrogen energy (production, storage and transportation, use of hydrogen) for the purpose of partnership and implementation.;
- Scientific and technical support for individual research projects and preparation of documentation, reports;
- Conducting experiments on the manufacture of alloys;
- Conducting structural and morphological analyzes using a scanning electron microscope and an alloy particle analyzer;
- Conducting phase analysis using X-ray spectroscopy;
- Study of sorption characteristics of synthesized materials using a gas analyzer and a differential scanning calorimeter;
- Publication of articles in international and domestic journals.
Currently, HTRL cooperates with leading domestic and foreign research institutes. Among them are Nazarbayev University, known for its advanced research and innovative projects in the field of hydrogen energy; the Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences (Serbia), which has significant experience and knowledge in the field of materials science and hydrogen technologies; the INPEX research center (Japan), specializing in advanced energy solutions; and the National Research Center «Kurchatov Institute», one of the leading scientific centers in the field of nuclear and energy research.
The laboratory was visited by representatives of a number of leading companies and organizations, which indicates a growing interest in our research and projects. Among the guests were representatives of Toyota Tsusho, Japan Gas Corporation, Axens, Green Spark LLP. In search of partners, meetings were held with various organizations, such as ERG Research Engineering Center LLP and Kazakhstan New Technologies/Green Spark LLP, with which memorandums of understanding were signed. Kazakhstan New Technologies/Green Spark LLP implemented the first pilot project for the production of green hydrogen in Kazakhstan, which is located in the city of Aksai, Western Kazakhstan region.
Conclusion of a memorandum with the executive director of Green Spark LLP and training of our employees in the production of green hydrogen within the framework of the memorandum
The Center for Scientific and Technical Initiatives (CSTI) «Samgau» under the Samruk-Kazyna Foundation, which plays a key role in supporting innovative projects in Kazakhstan, also expressed its support. Representatives of the Center got acquainted with our current developments and discussed possible areas for further cooperation and funding. After all the necessary selection processes, the laboratory’s R&D competition project on the topic of «Development of titanium-based alloys for the storage and transportation of hydrogen» successfully passed the competitive selection of the CSTI and received a grant for the implementation of the study.
Контактные лица:
| Nikita Pronin
Deputy Director of the Branch for Laboratory Research Atyrau Branch of KMG Engineering LLP 060097, Atyrau Region, Atyrau, Nursaya Microdistrict, Yelorda Ave., Building 10 Work Phone: 8 (7122) 305 430 Mobile Phone: +7 708 246 80 25 e-mail: N.Pronin@kmge.kz |
Saule Zholdayakova
Head of the Laboratory for the Study of Hydrogen Technologies Branch of KMG Engineering LLP in Atyrau 060097, Atyrau region, Atyrau, Nursaya microdistrict, Yelorda ave., building 10 Work phone: 8 (7122) 305 413 e-mail: S.zholdayakova@kmge.kz |