Hydrogen: A Simple Element and Its Environmental Impact - DW
Green hydrogen, a clean and sustainable energy source, is gaining traction as a potential solution to meet the world's energy demands and combat climate change.
To supply 15-20% of the world's energy demand with hydrogen, an investment of $15 trillion (€13.5 trillion) is needed by 2050. This ambitious goal is being pursued by countries like Germany, which aim to scale up hydrogen infrastructure over the next decade.
Hydrogen, when used in a fuel cell to generate electricity, does not produce direct greenhouse gas emissions. However, the majority of hydrogen produced today is known as gray hydrogen, which uses a process called "steam reforming" and releases about 10 tons of CO2 emissions per ton of hydrogen produced. Green hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced by the electrolysis of water powered entirely by renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar. This process emits close to zero greenhouse gases, making it a highly sustainable option for the energy transition.
Green hydrogen holds strong potential in sectors that are challenging to decarbonize through electrification alone. These include heavy industry processes like steel and cement production, chemical feedstocks such as ammonia, shipping, and long-term energy storage. In these applications, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels and reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90% relative to conventional methods.
Despite its potential, green hydrogen currently accounts for a very small share of global hydrogen production (less than 0.04% as of 2021) and is more expensive—approximately 1.5 to 6 times costlier than fossil fuel-derived hydrogen. However, it is forecasted to dominate future hydrogen supply by mid-century, potentially comprising up to 80% of total hydrogen production by 2050 as renewable energy capacity expands and electrolysis costs fall.
The expansion of renewable energy in sunny and windy regions like India, the Middle East, and Africa could increase the share of green hydrogen and reduce costs. Critics argue that it would be more efficient to use renewable energy directly instead of converting it into hydrogen. However, green hydrogen offers the advantage of being a highly portable and storable form of energy, making it an attractive option for long-term energy storage and transportation.
In conclusion, green hydrogen offers the lowest greenhouse gas emissions among hydrogen production pathways, enabling deep decarbonization in hard-to-electrify sectors, and is expected to play a central role in achieving a sustainable, low-carbon energy system. Its scalability and cost remain challenges but are improving with technological and market developments.
- To achieve a sustainable and healthy future, clean energy sources like green hydrogen are essential, playing a significant role in the ongoing energy transition.
- The fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness sectors could benefit from green hydrogen, as it can power equipment without generating direct greenhouse gas emissions.
- In the realm of science, environmental-science, and education-and-self-development, the investigation and adoption of green hydrogen technologies are becoming increasingly vital.
- Home-and-garden enthusiasts might also find an interest in green hydrogen, given its potential as a long-term energy storage solution, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- In the realms of finance and business, investing in green hydrogen projects could provide significant financial returns, as the market for clean energy continues to grow.
- The food-and-drink industry could utilize green hydrogen to produce ammonia, a key ingredient in fertilizers, reducing its carbon footprint.
- The travel and sports sectors could also leverage green hydrogen as a clean fuel for vehicles and energy systems, contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly future.
- Technology will play a pivotal role in the large-scale production of green hydrogen, with advancements in electrolysis equipment potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency.
- As green hydrogen becomes more prevalent, it will find applications in various aspects of our lifestyles, from powering our homes to supporting our preferred recreational activities, ultimately contributing to a cleaner, greener planet.
