GREEN HYDROGEN
Energy for tomorrow
GREEN HYDROGEN
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical element on the planet, but it is never found in isolation; it is always combined with other elements, such as in water or organic compounds.
For a long time, humanity has used hydrogen as a raw material in sectors such as the chemical industry and metallurgy, as well as a fuel. However, because it is not available in nature in its pure state, it must be produced. The method used for this production determines whether hydrogen will be a clean and sustainable fuel.
Green hydrogen is produced without generating polluting emissions, making it a sustainable fuel. This type of hydrogen is seen as an essential energy vector for achieving global decarbonization and meeting the climate commitments established for 2050.
How is HYDROGEN obtained?
Gasification
Molecular Transformation
Electrolysis
Gasification with steam and pure oxygen is carried out using biomass or coal. A reactor burns the coal or biomass at very high temperatures. During combustion, gases are released, resulting in the formation of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO).
The most common technique uses the reforming of natural gas from oil fields, where heated steam is used to separate the carbon from the hydrogen contained in the natural gas. Two sequential reactions result in the production of H2 and CO.
The electrolysis process involves breaking down the water molecule (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2) by applying a direct electric current connected to the water through electrodes. This is the most sustainable production method when the process is carried out using renewable energy.
TYPES OF HYDROGEN AS FUEL
GRAY HYDROGEN
GREEN HYDROGEN
BLUE HYDROGEN
These methods of hydrogen production have led to a color nomenclature that we use to refer to it and to indicate how sustainable its extraction process has been. According to this color scale, the main types of hydrogen are:
It is a form of hydrogen produced from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Its production can have a significant environmental impact, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions (CO2), and ozone layer depletion. It is the most commonly used and cheapest type of hydrogen to produce today.
It is also obtained from fossil fuels, but with techniques capable of capturing and storing the CO2 produced. It is less polluting than gray hydrogen, but blue hydrogen does not completely eliminate CO2 emissions; it only reduces emissions through its production process.
It is produced through the process of water electrolysis. Electrolysis involves using an electric current to break down the water molecule into oxygen and hydrogen using electrodes. When the process is carried out with renewable energy, this is the method for producing a sustainable, clean fuel with zero pollution.
GREY HYDROOGEN
Global hydrogen consumption is currently around 70 million tons, according to data from the International Energy Agency (IEA). However, the major challenge is that almost all of this production comes from coal or natural gas, methods that are highly polluting to the environment. Less than 1% of the world's hydrogen production uses water electrolysis with renewable energy, and only 0.1% of the hydrogen consumed is considered green.
The production of this gray hydrogen generates 830 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This is equivalent to the annual CO₂ emissions of the combined economies of Indonesia and the United Kingdom. In other words, the pollution generated by the production of this hydrogen is comparable to that of two countries with a total population of over 300 million people.
Why is grey hydrogen a problem for the planet?
Green hydrogen is obtained through the use of renewable energy in its production, making it a sustainable, clean fuel with zero pollution that can be crucial not only as an energy vector but also as a raw material.
Its significant role in combating climate change lies in its ability to replace fossil fuels in sectors and applications that have been more challenging to decarbonize, as well as its potential as an energy storage system. It can be used directly or in the form of its derivatives, such as e-Methanol, e-Ammonia, or e-Fuels, to replace fossil fuels like coal or gas.
Decarbonization can occur through sector coupling, using green hydrogen and its derivatives to provide renewable energy to these sectors. This is why the production of sustainable hydrogen is so important for the energy transition.
WHAT IS GREEN HYDROGEN AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
How is green hydrogen obtained?
Green hydrogen is obtained through an electrolysis process. Electrolysis involves using an electric current to split the water molecule into oxygen and hydrogen using electrodes.
How does green hydrogen work to generate energy?
To convert it into energy, the hydrogen stored in specific tanks is channeled into a fuel cell. There, it recombines with oxygen from the air, and electricity is generated. Thus, the only byproduct of the process is water, resulting in a clean and sustainable system where zero CO₂ is emitted to produce energy.
BENEFITS OF USING GREEN HYDROGEN AS FUEL
