Green hydrogen: energy supplier of the future?

Green hydrogen: energy supplier of the future?

in the "Green" hydrogen
A widespread assumption is that hydrogen has the potential to play a crucial role in supplying renewable energies in the future. The term "green hydrogen" refers to hydrogen, which is generated by renewable energies using electrolysis (a process in which water is split into hydrogen and oxygen). This method is viewed as green, since no harmful greenhouse gases are emitted in its production.

What is green hydrogen?

Definition and production

The colors of the hydrogen-gray, blue or green-refer to carbon dioxide emissions in its production. Green hydrogen is obtained exclusively from renewable energies, mostly from 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. When producing gray hydrogen, high amounts of CO2 are created, since it is mainly obtained from fossil fuels such as natural gas. Blue hydrogen is also made of natural gas, but the resulting CO2 is separated and saved (Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS), which reduces the effects 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 heat and power generation in buildings. In industry, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels, for example in steel production. In the transport sector, fuel cells that use hydrogen can drive electric cars, especially in areas where battery use is difficult, such as heavy goods traffic or for aircraft. In the building sector, hydrogen can be used to support heat pumps or are used to produce heat and electricity by combustion.

potential of green hydrogen

The advantages of green hydrogen are diverse and go hand in hand with the global goals of reducing emissions and promoting renewable energies.

energy storage and transport

Green hydrogen can serve as a form of energy storage and as an energy transmission medium, which is an advantage in times of high renewable production. If more renewable energies are produced than is needed (for example on wind -rich days), this excess energy can be used effective electrolysis. The hydrogen produced can be saved and used at a later date if the need for energy is higher than production.

Reduction of CO2 emissions

A great 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 the heavy industry and in the traffic sector, since these areas are currently heavily dependent on fossil fuels.

The challenges of green hydrogen

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

high costs and economy

Currently green hydrogen is 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 efficiency -increasing measures.

Infrastructural challenges

Furthermore, 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 usually designed for natural gas and must therefore be technically adapted.

FAZIT

green hydrogen is an exciting field in the energy sector, which has great potential, but is also faced with many challenges. While green hydrogen represents a promising solution for reducing CO2 emissions into industrial areas that are otherwise difficult to decarbonize, such as the steel or chemical industry, high costs, technological and infrastructural challenges are still hurdles that need to be overcome. Green hydrogen is currently regarded as a supplement to renewable energies, but could play a crucial role in the implementation of climate goals in the future that aim to limit global warming.