The Importance of Clean Hydrogen as a Potential Energy Carrier 

In today's rapidly changing industrial landscape, the imperative for companies to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices has never been more pronounced. The need for clean and efficient energy carriers is of the greatest importance in this endeavour, and one option that has been gaining significant attention is clean hydrogen.  

Clean hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, stands as a promising solution for reducing carbon emissions across various industrial sectors, including glass and ceramics, concrete production, steelmaking, and fertilizers. In this article, we will discuss the importance of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier, compare it with other energy carrier options, and underline the significance of green hydrogen production in the modern industrial landscape. 

What is a clean energy carrier? 

Energy is the capacity or power to do work, such as the capacity to move an object (of a given mass) by the application of force. Energy can exist in a variety of forms, such as electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear, and can be transformed from one form to another.  

An energy carrier is a substance (fuel) or sometimes a phenomenon (energy system) that contains energy that can be later converted to other forms such as mechanical work or heat or to operate chemical or physical processes, such as driving a car engine, a heat pump or to produce steel and other materials. A clean energy carrier is a substance or phenomenon that is produced with no CO2 emissions.

Clean Hydrogen as a Sustainable Energy Carrier 

Clean hydrogen is produced through a process known as electrolysis, involving splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity. When powered by renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar, electrolysis can produce hydrogen with zero direct greenhouse gas emissions, making it an attractive option for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint. 

This versatile energy carrier can serve as a feedstock for the production of ammonia, a crucial component in fertilizers, and as a reducing agent in steelmaking. Additionally, hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity or as a clean fuel for vehicles and heat generation. 

Furthermore, hydrogen can store excess renewable energy, providing a solution to mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources by storing surplus energy when production exceeds demand and releasing it when needed. This can help balance the power grid on local and national levels by smoothing out undesired spikes and dips in electricity consumption. 

Comparison with Other Energy Carrier Options 

Fossil Fuels:  

Fossil fuels, including coal, oil, and natural gas, have been the primary energy carriers in industrial processes for many years. However, they are associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to climate change. Transitioning to clean hydrogen can help companies reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and decrease their carbon emissions. 

Battery Energy Storage 

Batteries have gained popularity as an energy storage solution for both portable applications and grid-level storage. While batteries are effective for short-duration energy storage, they have limitations in terms of energy density and duration. Batteries are relatively heavy for the energy they store, rendering them unsuitable for large-scale applications. Hydrogen can serve as a complementary option, offering more energy-dense storage solutions for industries. 

Other Renewable Energy Carriers 

Other renewable energy carriers, such as biomass and geothermal energy, have their applications but may not be as versatile as clean hydrogen. Hydrogen can be produced from a wide range of renewable energy sources, making it a versatile and accessible option for industries. 

The Significance of Green Hydrogen Production 

Clean hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, plays a crucial role in minimizing the environmental impact of industrial processes. It allows companies to decarbonize their operations while maintaining the reliability of the energy supply. By replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen, industries can significantly reduce the carbon intensity of their processes, aligning with global efforts to limit global warming and achieve climate targets. 

Moreover, green hydrogen production promotes energy security and independence by reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Companies can produce their own green hydrogen on-site, reducing exposure to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations associated with fossil fuels. Many governments and regulatory bodies are incentivizing the adoption of green hydrogen, offering tax benefits, grants, and subsidies to encourage companies to invest in green hydrogen production technologies. 

Challenges and Considerations 

The initial capital costs of transitioning to clean hydrogen production technologies can be high. Scalability and economies of scale are key factors in determining the cost-effectiveness of these technologies. The availability of renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, varies by region, therefore companies need to consider the local energy landscape and availability when planning for green hydrogen production. 

Developing the infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution is a complex task that requires companies to navigate complex regulations and standards related to hydrogen production, storage, and safety. Staying compliant with these regulations is crucial for successful and safe hydrogen adoption. 

Highly suitable for a wide range of applications 

• Glass and Ceramics Industry - Companies in the glass and ceramics industry have successfully incorporated hydrogen into their production processes. Hydrogen is used as a reducing agent in high-temperature processes, reducing carbon emissions and enhancing product quality. 

• Concrete Production - Clean Hydrogen can be used to reduce the carbon footprint of concrete production. It can replace some of the fossil fuels used in the kiln, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• Steelmaking  - The steel industry is exploring the use of hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to coal in the reduction of iron ore. This transition can lead to substantial emissions reductions. 

• Fertilizers - Hydrogen plays a vital role in the production of ammonia-based fertilizers. By utilizing clean hydrogen in this process, the environmental impact of fertilizer production can be significantly reduced. 

Key takeaways  

Clean hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and transition to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. As a versatile and clean energy carrier, hydrogen offers numerous advantages, including zero greenhouse gas emissions, energy storage capabilities, and versatility in applications. When compared to other energy carrier options, hydrogen stands out as a promising choice in leading the way in the energy industry. 

The importance of green hydrogen production cannot be understated. By generating hydrogen using renewable energy sources, industries can minimize their environmental impact, reduce their carbon emissions, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future aligned with the European Green Deal. It is evident that clean hydrogen is not just an energy carrier; it is a key catalyst for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable industrial landscape.