Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier that can replace fossil fuels, it ensures the quality of the environment and mitigates climate change. However, the commercial methods currently used for its production are not environmentally friendly; they require significant energy input and entail high costs. The production of biohydrogen offers an ecological alternative. It makes good use of organic waste and requires less energy input (ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure) compared to thermochemical and electrolysis processes.
Green energies from wind or photovoltaics are intermittent: if there is neither wind nor sun, there is no electricity production. On the contrary, when there is a lot of it, it causes an increase in power in the distribution network. This is where hydrogen energy comes in and it is a way to advance the field of renewable energies.
Green Hydrogen, what is this new opportunity leading to the energy transition!
Hydrogen energy is produced from renewable wind energy or solar electricity, by the process of electrolysis of water: it allows the overproduction of water to be stored in the form of gas, thus providing a solution to its interruption. In addition, since the combustion of hydrogen only releases water, its use reduces greenhouse gas emissions to almost 0%.
Hydrogen has been called upon to play an essential role in the “green” industrial revolution. It\’s the most common ingredient in nature – and unlike fossil fuels like crude oil or natural gas – it will never run out during life on Earth. Like electricity, hydrogen is an energy carrier and not a source of energy. So it must be produced
There are three types of hydrogen production: gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, and green hydrogen. Green hydrogen is made from water and electricity from renewable energies, resulting in a zero carbon footprint. The electrolysis process produces hydrogen as well as oxygen and heat. Thus, the electrolyser transforms excess renewable electricity into \”green hydrogen\” which can be compressed and stored.
Hydrogen offers several key benefits that increase its potential as an alternative to fossil fuels. Once stored, it can be used directly as fuel or to generate electricity. It will open up renewable and sustainable mobility options in our daily lives. Hydrogen vehicles have a long autonomy and can be refueled quickly. Decades of research, development and testing have shown that hydrogen technology is a very viable and economically attractive alternative that would be ideal for mass deployment.
For this reason, political decision-makers who are characterized by their strategic vision, must absolutely and quickly consider benefiting their countries from this better technological alternative.
The main advantages of green hydrogen:
- Green hydrogen is totally clean energy with zero emissions
- Green hydrogen is a bridge between electricity, gas, and transport networks
- Green hydrogen can be stored and distributed on demand
- A high and efficient energy density
- Its added value is its affordable price, which saves money and helps control energy costs.