Feature

PC-based control for hydrogen: Why the future of energy demands smarter automation

According to the International Energy Agency, the number of hydrogen projects announced globally surged by 50 percent in 2023 alone. If all planned projects are realised, hydrogen production could reach 38 million tonnes per year by 2030, which is six times today’s levels.

02/09/2025 15:17:50

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Here, Mark Richards, Regional Manager of Beckhoff UK, explains why producing, storing and using hydrogen safely and efficiently requires control solutions that are flexible and capable of operating in demanding environments.

As many industries continue to accelerate their path to decarbonisation, hydrogen is emerging as a vital enabler in the transition to net zero. No longer a distant theoretical vision, the hydrogen economy is beginning to take shape. Its role in the global energy system is multifaceted.

Green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis using renewable energy. It offers a carbon-free energy carrier that can be used in transport, industry, and power generation. Its potential to store renewable energy and to decarbonise sectors like steelmaking and chemicals makes it critical to the future energy mix.

However, the unique properties of hydrogen – including its small molecules, high flammability, and requirements for high pressures and low temperatures – create challenges. This means rethinking how we automate hydrogen facilities.

Read the full article in DPA's September 2025 issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.