Green hydrogen: energy supplier of the future?

Green hydrogen: energy supplier of the future?

into the “green” hydrogen
A widespread assumption is that hydrogen has the potential to play a crucial role in the supply of renewable energy in the future. The term “green hydrogen” refers to hydrogen produced by renewable energy using electrolysis (a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen). This method is considered green because no harmful greenhouse gases are emitted during its production.

What is green hydrogen?

Definition and production

The colors of hydrogen – gray, blue or green – indicate the carbon dioxide emitted during its production. Green hydrogen is produced exclusively from renewable energies, usually wind or solar power. The decisive factor in production is the electrolysis of water, i.e. the splitting of water (H2O) into its components hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2).

In contrast, there is gray or blue hydrogen. The production of gray hydrogen produces high amounts of CO2 because it is mainly obtained from fossil fuels such as natural gas. Blue hydrogen is also made from natural gas, but the resulting CO2 is captured and stored (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS), reducing its impact on the environment.

Applications of green hydrogen

Green hydrogen can be used in many ways: in industry, as a fuel in the transport sector or for generating heat and electricity in buildings. In industry, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels, for example in steel production. In the transportation sector, fuel cells that use hydrogen can power electric cars, especially in areas where battery use is difficult, such as heavy-duty transportation or aircraft. In the building sector, hydrogen can be used to support heat pumps or used through combustion to generate heat and electricity.

Potential of green hydrogen

The benefits of green hydrogen are many and go hand in hand with the global goals of reducing emissions and promoting renewable energy.

Energy storage and transport

Green hydrogen can serve as a form of energy storage and as an energy transmission medium, which is beneficial in times of high renewable production. When more renewable energy is produced than is needed (for example on windy days), this excess energy can be used to perform effective electrolysis. The hydrogen produced can be stored and used at a later date when the demand for energy is greater than production.

Reduction of CO2 emissions

A major advantage of green hydrogen is its potential ability to reduce CO2 emissions. Since the electrolysis for production is carried out exclusively with renewable energies, no harmful CO2 emissions are generated. This is particularly important in heavy industry and the transport sector, as these areas are currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

The challenges of green hydrogen

Although the potential of green hydrogen is highly recognized, there are still numerous challenges that need to be overcome.

High cost and economic efficiency

Green hydrogen is currently more expensive than gray or blue hydrogen. This is mainly due to the high energy requirements and the high investment costs for the electrolysis systems. It is therefore necessary to further optimize and refine electrolysis technology in order to identify measures that increase efficiency.

Infrastructural challenges

Infrastructural challenges also represent a major hurdle. In order to be able to use green hydrogen on a large scale, suitable transport and storage options must be developed and expanded. Currently, the infrastructure is mostly designed for natural gas and therefore needs to be technically adapted.

Conclusion

Green hydrogen is an exciting field in the energy industry that has great potential, but also faces many challenges. While green hydrogen represents a promising solution to reduce CO2 emissions in industrial sectors that are otherwise difficult to decarbonize, such as the steel or chemical industries, high costs, technological and infrastructural challenges are still hurdles that need to be overcome. Green hydrogen, while currently seen as a complement to renewable energy, could play a crucial role in the future in achieving climate goals aimed at limiting global warming.