Hydrogen and derivatives of it: Their Role in the Energy Transition

Empowering Change through Hydrogen

Hydrogen, the lightest of chemical elements, is a cornerstone of energy transformation. It's present in every water droplet, where two hydrogen atoms unite with one oxygen atom (H₂O). In the sweeping tide of the energy transition - encompassing electricity, heat, and mobility sectors - hydrogen emerges as a pivotal player. The overarching goal is to transition rapidly from polluting fossil fuels, like oil, coal, and natural gas, to a sustainable energy landscape.

Unlocking Sustainable Energy: A Holistic Approach

The energy transition is powered by renewable sources - wind, hydropower, photovoltaics, geothermal energy, solar thermal energy, ocean energy, and biomass. This paradigm shift demands electric mobility, innovative energy storage solutions, and sustainable heating alternatives. The emergence of CO₂-neutral fuels, including biodiesel, green methanol, green ammonia, and synthetic kerosene, is equally pivotal.

Navigating Hydrogen Types

Various hydrogen production methods exist beyond fabricating green hydrogen. However, some methods have a detrimental climate impact due to CO₂ emissions during production. Let's explore:

Black hydrogen

Coal is thermally broken down into hydrogen and CO₂. The harmful CO₂ is released directly into the atmosphere. For decades this manufacturing process has been very inexpensive and is therefore used worldwide. But it's losing competitiveness as we move towards greener solutions.

Gray hydrogen

Natural gas is thermally broken down into hydrogen and CO₂. Gray hydrogen shares the same fate as black hydrogen, generating CO₂ emissions and losing relevance.

Blue hydrogen

Natural gas is split into hydrogen and CO₂. If the CO₂ is stored underground, then there are no CO₂ emissions during that process step. However, there is still no long-term experience regarding the reliability and harmlessness of the underground storage of CO₂. The production of blue hydrogen results in the emission of climate-damaging greenhouse gases.

Turquoise hydrogen

Splitting natural gas into hydrogen and solid carbon, it's climate-neutral if carbon is permanently stored. However, escaping methane gas, a highly active climate-damaging greenhouse gas remains problematic.

Violet/red/pink/yellow hydrogen

Electrolysis fueled by nuclear power is contentious. It is considered environmentally harmful due to nuclear waste complexities.

White/golden/natural/geologic hydrogen

Naturally occurring, it mirrors green hydrogen's attributes. Extracted through the earth's crust, its global quantity remains unclear.

Green Hydrogen Production Unveiled

Green hydrogen arises through water (H₂O) electrolysis, powered by renewable energy sources like wind, photovoltaics, and hydroelectric power. Oxygen released in this process holds some industrial potential. A newer approach utilizes saline seawater, although its maturity is a work in progress.