Riyadh: A research team at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has successfully developed an innovative system for producing green hydrogen directly from seawater without the need for prior desalination processes. This scientific achievement advances efforts to develop clean energy technologies and supports the transition toward more efficient and sustainable solutions for green fuel production.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the innovation was honored by Qassim Region Governor and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Qassim Award for Excellence and Creativity Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud bin Abdulaziz after winning the Qassim Award for Excellence and Creativity in the Excellence in Scientific Research and Innovation category. The award recognizes the project's innovative scientific solutions in the clean energy sector, and KACST President Dr. Munir M. Eldesouki received it from Prince Dr. Faisal.
The innovation relies on alkaline seawater electrolysis using a highly efficient nanocatalyst, with the addition of low concentrations of aqueous hydrazine as a reaction aid. This contributes to reducing the required electrical voltage and improving hydrogen production efficiency compared with conventional systems.
The project aims to address the main challenges associated with direct seawater electrolysis, most notably high energy consumption, chlorine gas formation, and electrode corrosion. This is achieved through the development of a hybrid system that enhances the efficiency of electrochemical reactions, limits undesirable side reactions, and improves operational stability.
The project results demonstrated advanced electrochemical performance, contributing to a 60% reduction in energy consumption and a 50% increase in hydrogen production efficiency compared with commercial electrolyzers used for pure water. The system also achieved high efficiency in limiting chlorine gas formation and reducing electrode corrosion, thereby enhancing system reliability and extending the operational lifespan of its components.
KACST research team head Dr. Abdullah Alotaibi noted that this development represents an important step toward enabling green hydrogen production from seawater as a direct water source, contributing to reduced operating costs and improved efficiency in clean energy production.
He stated: 'This system addresses one of the key technical challenges in seawater electrolysis and opens promising prospects for future applications in green hydrogen production with greater efficiency and sustainability.'
This innovation represents a promising national model for developing technologies that produce green hydrogen directly from seawater, enhancing opportunities to utilize available natural resources with high efficiency and low operating costs.