One of the significant global issues currently being confronted is climate change and the emission of greenhouse gasses, a formidable challenge manifesting on our planet. To tackle this challenge, one solution has emerged: green hydrogen. This environmentally friendly counterpart is gaining prominence as a feasible remedy.
Now, let's dive in and explore how this modest protector not only meets industry demand but also safeguards the earth.
What is Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is hydrogen that is available in its pure form and produced by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity. This means that the energy used to power the electrolysis process comes from renewable sources like solar, wind, or water. This pure form of hydrogen is produced with no harmful byproduct, lowering carbon emission rates.
It stands as a vital element in decarbonizing various industries, such as transportation and power generation. According to Extrapolate's latest report, the global green hydrogen market is expected to be worth $75.97 billion by 2030.
How is Green Hydrogen Produced?
Green, pure hydrogen is produced through various steps. Here is a stepwise overview:
- Step 1: The first step is generating renewable electricity using natural sources such as solar, wind, or water.
- Step 2: The electricity is then used in the electrolysis of water, where the electrical current is passed through the water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen.
- Step 3: This hydrogen can provide long-term energy storage for the electric power sector, fuel for heavy-duty transportation, and heat for industrial processes requiring high temperatures, such as steel or concrete production.
Blue Hydrogen vs. Green Hydrogen
Green and blue hydrogen are two distinct types of hydrogen that are often used as fuel in the transportation industry. Below are some differences between them:
Green Hydrogen:
- This hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, where electricity from renewable sources is utilized to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.
- This process does not produce carbon emissions and is considered the only type of hydrogen produced in a climate-susceptible manner.
- It shows the potential to prominently lower greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to decarbonization practices.
Blue Hydrogen:
- Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas through the steam methane reforming (SMR) process. This includes the mixing of natural gas with very hot steam and a catalyst to achieve hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
- The carbon dioxide emissions produced during this process are then captured and stored underground, making the resulting "blue hydrogen" carbon-neutral.
- While blue hydrogen is an efficient and reliable source of energy, it is also a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, as it is produced from natural gas.
Can Green Hydrogen Combat Climate Change?
Green hydrogen holds significant potential for combating climate change by offering a clean and sustainable energy source. It can decarbonize heavy industry, which has historically been challenging to tackle in terms of emissions reduction.
As it is produced using renewable energy sources, according to the World Economic Forum, it is the only type of hydrogen produced in a climate-neutral manner that is critical to reaching net zero emissions by 2050. Its renewable nature helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the effects of climate change.
In this context, the Green Hydrogen Coalition (GHC) is an organization that aims to facilitate policies and practices to advance the production and use of the compound at scale in all sectors, where it will accelerate the transition to a carbon-free energy system. The GHC's efforts align with the global push for sustainable and renewable energy sources, and its work is particularly relevant in the context of combating climate change and transitioning to a carbon-free energy system.
How is Green Hydrogen Revolutionizing the Transportation Industry?
Green hydrogen holds significant importance in the transportation industry. Unlike coal and oil, this clean and pure form of energy source only emits water vapor and leaves no residue or CO2 in the air. Its use in the transportation industry could help mitigate pollution as it disperses into thin air, making it an effective source of energy with minimal damage to the environment.
The conversion of hydrogen to electricity releases no harmful gasses or pollutants. This makes hydrogen a promising option for reducing emissions in the transportation sector, especially for heavy-duty applications such as long-haul trucks, locomotives, ships, and other modes. It is considered one of the fuels of the future, and its production costs are predicted to fall. Legislative efforts, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, aim to make the compound more cost-effective over the coming decade, positioning it as a viable alternative to conventional natural gas.
Looking Ahead: India's New Green Hydrogen Project
The green, pure hydrogen holds the potential to combat climate change and revolutionize industries. Taking this idea forward, Jindal Stainless’ first green, pure type of hydrogen project in India marks a significant milestone in India's pursuit of sustainable development and environmental responsibility. The project, established in collaboration with Hygenco, seeks to reduce carbon emissions by approximately 2,700 metric tons per year and by 54,000 metric tons over 20 years. It is also expected to be a milestone for various other countries due to its sustainable approach. This initiative not only signifies a revolutionary step in the steel sector but also sets a benchmark for sustainable practices on a global scale
The project's impact extends beyond the steel industry, with potential implications for India's broader industrial landscape and its role in the hydrogen sector, which is projected to become a USD 0.5 trillion industry by 2050. This endeavor reflects a commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, aligning with the transition towards sustainable manufacturing and the pursuit of net-zero emissions.
To Conclude
Green hydrogen stands as a transformative force in the quest for sustainable energy solutions. Its potential to decarbonize industry, reduce emissions, and serve as a versatile energy carrier underscores its pivotal role in combating climate change and fostering a cleaner, greener future.
As industries and governments increasingly embrace the potential of green, pure hydrogen, its promise to drive a shift towards renewable energy and mitigate environmental impacts becomes more apparent. With ongoing advancements in technology and growing investment, this compound holds the key to a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape. It stands as a beacon of hope for a world striving for carbon neutrality and environmental harmony.