Is Green Hydrogen a Fuel That Burns Actually Clean?

Green hydrogen has been promoted as a renewable energy alternative all over the world. However, does this fuel burn cleanly? And how does one go about making it? The lightest chemical element is hydrogen. It can react with oxygen to make water, but it has no flavor, color, or smell. The process of producing green hydrogen involves using renewable energy to power the separation of hydrogen from other elements. For over a century, hydrogen has been created and utilized extensively, primarily in the processing of oil and the manufacture of polymers and fertilizers. Natural gas in particular has been produced mostly from fossil sources. According to industry projections, the global market for green hydrogen is expected to reach $410 billion by 2030. That would double the size of its present market.

Green hydrogen finds application in multiple industries, including as fertilizer and chemical manufacturing, steel production, and concrete production. In addition, it can be used as fuel for vehicles, to generate power, and to heat homes. Green hydrogen, according to supporters, might be utilized to improve the environmental impact of these operations. Francisco Boshell works as an energy specialist for the United Arab Emirates’ International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi. He expressed optimism to the Associated Press (AP) that green hydrogen will be able to generate more sustainable energy. This may be particularly true for energy derived from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, which are difficult to store for later use.

According to Boshell, one issue with hydrogen is its unpredictable nature. Because of its extreme flammability—it can quickly catch fire—and special pipes are needed for its safe transportation. Accordingly, the majority of green hydrogen will probably be consumed in the vicinity of its production. London is home to the research group, Energy Transitions Commission. According to a 2021 assessment by its specialists, hydrogen has limited applications for heating buildings and other purposes due to its severe flammability and difficulty in transportation. By 2050, the commission wants to see net-zero emissions.