Karachi (Web Desk): Amid efforts to explore alternative energy sources in Pakistan, young engineers in Karachi have made a significant breakthrough by locally developing an electrolysis generator that produces hydrogen gas from water. The system is being presented as a potential alternative energy source for industrial, commercial and domestic needs.
A team from a startup named Pak Hydro has developed the system, which uses the process of electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced through this process can be used to generate flames and heat, potentially reducing dependence on conventional gas and other imported fuels.
The project is being led by Muhammad Ayan, an electrical engineering student at Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology and the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pak Hydro. The team also includes Dr Usman Alauddin, a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at NED University, as co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, while Ameer Ali, an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at Sir Syed University, serves as co-founder and Chief Operating Officer.
According to Dr Usman Alauddin, the developed prototype is claimed to have the capacity to produce one kilogram of hydrogen in six to eight minutes, requiring approximately eight to 10 litres of water. However, electricity consumption and production costs will depend on the generator’s capacity and duration of operation. He said the system could also be powered through renewable energy if electricity is obtained from solar sources.
The project could gain significance in view of rising energy prices in Pakistan and the country’s dependence on imported fuels. Small industrial factories, metalworking units, welding businesses, textile facilities, bakeries, tandoors and other commercial sectors require a continuous supply of heat, while rising prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and natural gas have increased production costs. According to the Pak Hydro team, its hydrogen torch system has the potential to serve as a locally developed alternative for these sectors.
Safety Measures and Requirements for Using Hydrogen
Hydrogen is a highly flammable gas, making safety arrangements essential during its use. Project founder Muhammad Ayan said the system produces hydrogen according to demand instead of storing large quantities of gas, which could reduce certain storage-related risks. However, precautionary measures remain necessary at every stage, including gas production, transportation and delivery to the flame.
Initial Development Cost Rs50,000
According to the engineers, approximately Rs50,000 was spent on the initial development of the locally produced prototype, with its basic components also sourced from the local market. Dr Usman Alauddin said that determining the actual production cost per kilogram of hydrogen would require calculating the price of electricity and the amount of energy consumed.
Potential to Reduce Pollution
Hydrogen is considered an important alternative energy source because burning it in the presence of oxygen does not directly release carbon dioxide; instead, it primarily produces water vapour. However, its environmental impact also depends on the source of electricity used to produce it. If electricity is supplied through solar or other renewable sources, the system could be used as a more environmentally friendly energy solution.