Hydrogen and carbon capture

Hydrogen exploitation and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) are of great importance in industry efforts to produce and use clean or cleaner energy, particularly in sectors that are difficult to power (cement, steel, petrochemicals, heavy industry, fossil fuels, etc.). Together with electrification and systems integration, both activities contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thereby accelerating the reduction of its carbon footprint and the transition to carbon neutrality.

However, these solutions present numerous challenges—not only technically speaking, but also as they relate to cost, resource management, safety, regulation and more.

CIMA+'s response to these issues? Expertise, a multidisciplinary approach and innovation.

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The hydrogen sector

As industries and economies shift towards a low-carbon future, hydrogen is emerging as a key energy carrier in the global quest for decarbonization. And the transition to this energy, whether “green” or “blue”, generates its own set of needs at each stage of the process.

Green hydrogen

Green hydrogen is obtained through a process called electrolysis, which separates hydrogen and oxygen molecules from water to recover the former.

This process requires a significant supply of water, which includes a wastewater treatment component. It also requires facilities powered by green electricity (solar and wind energy, hydroelectricity) as well as safe infrastructure for the transport and storage of hydrogen.

CIMA+ supports industries in the complex process of green hydrogen production. Thanks to its teams of experts working collaboratively, it offers comprehensive solutions tailored to all stages of green hydrogen production. Whether designing a wastewater treatment or electrolysis system or planning the development of a site or transport network, CIMA+ puts its innovative spirit at the service of industry.

Blue hydrogen and CO2

Blue hydrogen is obtained from natural gas through processes such as steam methane reforming and autothermal reforming. These are two methods that aim to release hydrogen from natural gas: the first uses very hot steam, and the second also uses oxygen, which causes a chemical reaction that generates heat. However, these methods have a significant consequence: the production of CO₂. This adds the crucial step of carbon capture to the initial process, which, in turn, generates a series of conditions, since the carbon must then either be used (preferably in a responsible manner) or stored. The CCUS therefore requires the design and construction of infrastructure related to CO2 management.

In addition to designing the infrastructure required for this production, CIMA+ can also guide its clients in selecting the optimal capture technologies or in assessing the logistical conditions of the site and its storage capacities.

Other challenges and obstacles

In addition to the technical challenges associated with the design and construction of complex infrastructure, there are other obstacles that can hinder the ambitions of project owners. They must also contend with financial, regulatory and operational hurdles. Among the reasons that can slow down or even halt clean hydrogen energy projects are high initial costs, delays in obtaining permits, logistical issues with respect to transport and storage, and the need to integrate new systems into existing plants. Gaps in codes and standards, at least in Canada, are also likely to slow down hydrogen production and adoption. Due to a regulatory framework that is still under development, some standards need to be completed, adapted or even defined. Many projects get stuck between initial design and implementation due to risks, delays or economic uncertainty.

To ensure the success of hydrogen production projects, CIMA+ can support its clients with solid cost-benefit analyses and assistance in navigating the regulatory landscape. It also relies on an approach where constructability guides design: each plan is developed with a view to actual implementation.

Strategic planning and feasibility

Development of energy transition and industrial decarbonization strategies
Cost-benefit analyses and selection of the most suitable production and capture technologies
Assessment of logistics and location constraints, particularly regarding storage
Support for regulatory compliance and environmental management of projects

Design and engineering

Preliminary and detailed engineering services
Design of water electrolysis facilities for green hydrogen
Methane reforming engineering with CO₂ capture
Development of biomass or waste-based solutions for circular production
Development of water supply and treatment systems
Design of adaptable, energy-efficient buildings capable of integrating hydrogen-based energy solutions
Development of integrated systems for hydrogen production sites and basic site infrastructure (roads, buildings, utilities)

Transport, storage and distribution

Design of storage and transport infrastructure (compression, liquefaction, pipelines)
Development of multimodal distribution solutions (road, rail, sea)

Applications and integration

Engineering solutions for hydrogen combustion, fuel cells and integration into industrial processes
Design and adaptation of the built environment for hydrogen use (renovations, water and energy networks)

Implementation and comprehensive support

Support for construction, commissioning, monitoring and operation
Multidisciplinary partnership aimed at reducing risks and accelerating project completion

Hydrogen and carbon capture

CUSTOMIZED AND RESILIENT INFRASTRUCTURE, MADE POSSIBLE BY CIMA+’S INTEGRATED APPROACH

CIMA+ supports industries in all aspects of achieving their carbon neutrality goals

CIMA+: a one-stop solution for all your engineering needs

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