Author: Oskar Pecyna
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is a type of hydrogen gas produced using electricity generated from renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower, to drive the electrolysis of water. This process is considered "green" because it generates hydrogen without emitting carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable method for hydrogen production.
Global Warming
Global warming is a significant aspect of climate change, which encompasses various changes in Earth's climate patterns, including temperature, precipitation, sea level rise, and extreme weather events. The way hydrogen is produced can have significant implications for greenhouse gas emissions and climate change mitigation.
The most common method of hydrogen production is through steam methane reforming (SMR), which uses natural gas as a feedstock. This process emits carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. These greenhouse gases trap heat from the sun, which results in a warming effect on the Earth's surface. Grey hydrogen production is not environmentally friendly and exacerbates global warming. 95% of the world’s hydrogen production is derived through this process.
How green hydrogen is produced?
Generating electricity from a renewable source
Solar panels convert sunlight directly into electricity. Wind turbines generate electricity from the kinetic energy of the wind.
Using this electricity to power the electrolyser
This electricity can be used to power electrolysis plants for green hydrogen production. Using these renewable sources ensures that the entire process of producing hydrogen is environmentally friendly, as there are no carbon emissions associated with electricity generation.
Electrolysis
In the electrolysis process, water (H2O) is split into its constituent elements, hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The electrolyser operates by passing an electric current through water, causing hydrogen gas to be released at the cathode and oxygen gas at the anode.
Distribution and storage of hydrogen to different industries and its end-use
The green hydrogen will be now stored and distributed to different industries and sectors. This can be used as a fuel for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, replacing fossil fuels in cars, buses, trucks, and trains. It can also be used as fuel cells to generate electricity for various industries or even for residential use. Industries such as chemical manufacturing, refining, and steel production can use green hydrogen as a clean alternative to current hydrogen sources derived from fuels that emit harmful greenhouse gases.
Why switch to green hydrogen?
The production of green hydrogen does not emit harmful gases into the atmosphere since this is obtained using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Green hydrogen is seen as a key tool in mitigating global warming because it can replace fossil fuels in various applications, reducing CO2 emissions. From an economic perspective, investing in green hydrogen technologies creates opportunities, driving innovation, job creation, and potential economic growth in the renewable energy sector and associated industries.
Transitioning to green hydrogen involves challenges related to scaling up production, building infrastructure, reducing costs, and ensuring efficiency. However, the potential environmental, economic, and social benefits make it a promising avenue for a sustainable and low-carbon future.
Planning on starting your hydrogen project? Let's power your vision!
Shoot us an email at oskar@eag.one
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