Charting the Path to Hydrogen Economy for a Sustainable Tomorrow

Henry Hui, Corporate VP, H2 Strategy & Energy Infrastructure, Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases

Henry Hui is a versatile project management professional known for his commitment to integrity, accountability, and a strong work ethic. His track record includes consistently surpassing expectations and achieving outstanding outcomes in difficult circumstances. Over the course of his career spanning over 20 year across business development, engineering, project execution, and product management, he has strived to set a positive example by always prioritizing doing things correctly and ethically.

Journey and Daily Roles

I work for a cryogenic company specializing in a wide range of cryogenic products, like palms, heat exchangers, and process systems. My daily role focuses on identifying opportunities to deliver value to customers while supporting their decarbonization and sustainability goals. This is challenging amid rapid sector growth and numerous solutions that often lack proven performance or cost-effectiveness. Emerging technologies like hydrogen and ammonia add complexity due to safety, scalability, and permitting hurdles, particularly in new markets.

As projects expand beyond previous scales, navigating outdated codes and regulations is increasingly difficult. Although successful models exist across the U.S., Europe, and Asia, aligning regulations remains a key industry challenge.

Navigating Major Challenges

The space I work in primarily focuses on cryogenic hydrogen, a field with only a handful of operational plants worldwide, most of them in the U.S. As global interest in hydrogen continues to grow, many professionals from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector are now venturing into this domain. While there are similarities in process design, handling hydrogen in its cryogenic state presents unique challenges that differ significantly from those of LNG. Misapplying LNG practices or standards to hydrogen can lead to flawed economic models and serious safety risks.

Relying on LNG-centric codes and regulations, such as API standards, can be misleading for clients entering the hydrogen market. For example, oversized systems or designs copied from LNG applications can compromise safety rather than enhance it. A case in point is the use of firewater systems in hydrogen production facilities that involve electrolyzers or liquefied hydrogen storage. Introducing water in such settings increases risk due to electrical exposure and potential ice formation. This can obstruct hydrogen outlets or ventilation paths, creating hazardous conditions.

In the journey towards a hydrogen economy, unity among all sectors - production, conversion, storage, distribution, and end-use - is the key. The promise of a brighter future beckons, but it demands our unwavering dedication. I firmly believe that this transition is vital for the survival of humanity, and each one of us has a crucial part to play.

Hydrogen itself is a simple molecule and relatively easy to handle when properly managed. The key lies in early leak detection and effective source isolation, forming the basis of a sound facility design and operational philosophy. However, one of the industry’s pressing challenges is the shortage of professionals with hands-on operational experience. It is essential that we strengthen education and training efforts, ensuring newcomers understand hydrogen’s distinct characteristics and operational requirements.

Shaping the Future of Energy Consulting

The growth I anticipate in our industry is truly monumental. Potentially several hundred times larger than what we see today, with a profound global impact. In the U.S., the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) continues to set a strong precedent, serving as both inspiration and a framework for other nations pursuing energy security, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. Each country approaches this transition differently, shaped by its own priorities and challenges, yet the shared commitment to cleaner energy is driving collective progress.

I find it inspiring to see engineers and industries worldwide working together toward a sustainable future. Collaboration and practicality are critical; without addressing scalability and real-world feasibility, the shift toward a hydrogen economy and broader energy transformation could lose momentum. Personally, I believe in the power of action; testing, learning, and improving through experience rather than endless discussion.

It is encouraging seeing Asia, once slightly behind, now accelerating its climate initiatives, particularly in marine transportation, as evidenced in Singapore. Evolving trade patterns are also fostering discussions about importing green energy from production hubs like Australia, Chile, and India to demand centers such as Europe, Japan, and South Korea. By decade’s end, I believe this transformation will redefine global energy trade.

Advice for Industry Peers

I believe continuous learning is vital as we embrace the energy transition. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, and no single company has all the answers. We must stay open-minded and collaborate with partners across the value chain, whether in finance, technology, or operations, as we do at Nikkiso. The hydrogen economy’s success depends on unity across production, conversion, storage, distribution, and end-use. The future is promising, but realizing it requires dedication and a shared commitment to humanity’s sustainable future.