Green hydrogen, produced through clean processes, holds the potential to become a renewable alternative to fossil fuels. As of 2021, approximately 5% of global hydrogen production carries the label of being produced in an environmentally friendly manner.
The production of green hydrogen involves electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources. Electrolysis is the most commonly used method for green hydrogen production, where an electric current is passed through water (H2O) to separate it into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2).
The electrolyzers used in this process are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. This means that the entire process has no greenhouse gas emissions, making it one of the cleanest methods of hydrogen production.
Green hydrogen companies believe that their fuel is at the core of the sustainable energy transition and will replace heavily polluting fossil fuels.
Utilization of H2
Green hydrogen serves two primary purposes as a renewable energy fuel source. One is to burn it for heat generation, and the other is to input it into fuel cells for electricity generation.
According to the 2018 CSIRO report, green hydrogen fuel has various applications, with the number expected to increase as research and development continue. The identified applications in the report include:
Production of green ammonia using hydrogen as a power source for shipping containers.
H2 fuel cell electric vehicles and trucks.
Combustion of hydrogen in steel refineries as a substitute for coal.
Household heating and cooking fuel as an alternative to natural gas.
H2-powered turbines for electricity generation during peak demand to ensure grid reliability.
Green hydrogen represents a significant step towards a sustainable energy future. With its clean production and versatile applications, it has garnered attention as a renewable substitute for traditional fossil fuels. The expansion of green hydrogen production and utilization is expected to drive the global transition towards a more environmentally friendly energy landscape.
