Hydrogen has the potential to become a leading player in the energy transition. It is a versatile, storable and emission-free energy carrier, which can be used to drive decarbonisation in sectors where direct electrification on its own is not a solution, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport.
What is green or renewable hydrogen?
When hydrogen is produced by the electrolysis of water using renewable electricity (solar, wind, hydro), it is known as green hydrogen. The process produces no carbon emissions and can use surplus renewable energy, thus solving one of the great challenges facing the electricity system, intermittency of renewable output.
Key benefits
- • Zero emissions in use: the only by-product is steam.
- • Storage and flexibility: hydrogen can operate as a bridge between renewable generation and power demand.
- • Miscellaneous applications: sustainable mobility (trains, trucks, ships), industrial processes, production of synthetic fuels and domestic uses.
- • Boost for competition and technology: promotes new solutions and generates opportunities for the industry.
Challenges and opportunities
Green hydrogen still has to overcome a number of challenges:
- • Reducing production costs to make it competitive with other sources.
- • Developing transport, storage and distribution infrastructures.
- • Ensuring sufficient renewable output to meet future demand.
Despite these challenges, hydrogen offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to a cleaner and safer energy system, complementing other solutions such as electrification and storage.
Why is it important for the future of energy?
Hydrogen is not just an emerging technology: it is key to achieving global climate zero targets, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improving energy security. The fact that it can be used in a variety of sectors makes it a strategic ally for building a more sustainable and resilient energy model.
