Given the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, green hydrogen is a renewable energy source that is gaining momentum as a crucial investment for the energy transition as it offers a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels.
Depending on production methods, hydrogen can be grey, blue, or green, and even pink, yellow, or turquoise. Green hydrogen is created by electrolysis, which separates water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, using sustainable energy sources like solar or wind energy. This makes it the only type produced in a climate-neutral manner as there are no emissions from the process, chiefly making it the key driver to accomplish net zero by 2050. Green hydrogen has the power to completely transform how we generate and consume energy.
The power of green hydrogen
Here are a few reasons why green hydrogen is establishing itself as a leading option for the energy transition as the world adopts pathways to decarbonization.
- Green Hydrogen Can Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Green hydrogen is a versatile, emission-free, clean, and sustainable energy source. As a result, it has the potential to considerably lower greenhouse gas emissions in several industries and sectors, such as transportation, industrial, and energy generation. Furthermore, we can lessen our reliance on non-renewable energy sources and progress towards a more sustainable energy system by substituting fossil fuels with green hydrogen.
- Green Hydrogen Can Provide a Reliable Energy Source
Intermittency is one of the main issues facing the renewable energy industry as it is harder to rely on wind and solar resources for a consistent supply of energy. By storing surplus renewable energy and converting it into electricity during periods of high demand, green hydrogen can assist in overcoming this difficulty. This makes green hydrogen a reliable energy source that can be combined with other renewable energy sources like wind and solar energy.
- Green Hydrogen Can Support the Growth of Zero-Emission Vehicles
Transportation contributes significantly to climate change, which makes the switch to zero-emission vehicles essential for cutting emissions. Green hydrogen can be a key component of this shift as long-distance travel and heavy-duty applications like trucks and buses can both benefit from hydrogen fuel cell cars’ increased range and quick refuelling times.
- Green Hydrogen Can Support the Decarbonization of Industry
Industrial operations like the manufacture of steel and cement, call for high-temperature heat sources that are challenging to electrify. In these instances, green hydrogen can offer a viable substitute for fossil fuels, assisting in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from industry. By investing in green hydrogen, we can support the decarbonization of these high-emission industries.
In conclusion, as we move towards a more sustainable future, green hydrogen is set to play a pivotal role in the transition to a low carbon economy as it provides a reliable, low-carbon energy source for transportation, industry, and energy storage.
This article explored the possibilities green hydrogen presents for a more sustainable future. Look out for the next article where the current green hydrogen developments and also its challenges will be discussed.
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What is green hydrogen and why do we need it? An expert explains