What is green hydrogen and why is it important for the future of energy?
Although it is the most prevalent element in the universe, pure hydrogen is rarely encountered on Earth. The majority of the hydrogen we use nowadays is derived from coal or natural gas, both of which burn when they release carbon dioxide and other pollutants. Nevertheless, hydrogen can be produced from water by the use of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydro power. This is known as “green hydrogen,” and it’s regarded as a sustainable and clean substitute for fossil fuels.
Green hydrogen is created by using electricity from renewable sources to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The procedure is known as electrolysis, and it can be carried out in both small- and large-scale apparatuses. After that, the hydrogen can be used for a variety of purposes, including heating, industry, power generation, and transportation. It can also be stored or transported.
Both the business and the ecology may gain greatly from green hydrogen. It has the ability to:
- Keep extra renewable energy on hand to balance the system during periods of high or low supply.
- Decrease reliance on foreign gas and oil imports and improve national energy security.
- Encourage innovation and competitiveness while establishing new sectors and jobs in the green economy.
- lessen the effects of human activity on the environment and assist in achieving the global climate goals.
Green hydrogen must, however, also overcome a number of obstacles. Because electrolyzers are expensive and the process is inefficient, it is now more expensive than traditional hydrogen or fossil fuels. Large-scale infrastructure and storage facilities are needed, but these are not yet commonly accessible or standardized. It encounters legislative and policy obstacles, such as the absence of a standard definition, certification program, and green hydrogen market infrastructure. To develop a sustainable and alluring market for green hydrogen, stakeholders must work together and raise public understanding and acceptance of the technology.
One of the most significant technological developments of 2023 will be green hydrogen, which has the ability to revolutionize the energy industry and help create a more resilient and environmentally friendly future.
