Hydrogen Gas: Properties, comparisons, and its role in a cleaner industry 

Takeaways 

• Hydrogen exists in solid, liquid, and gas states, but is primarily used as a gas in industry. 

• Hydrogen gas offers high energy per mass and zero-carbon combustion but is challenging to store and transport. 

• Compared to methane, propane, and butene, hydrogen is cleaner but less energy-dense by volume. 

• Industries use hydrogen gas in refining, chemicals, metallurgy, energy storage, and transportation. 

• Hydrogen can be produced via electrolysis, steam methane reforming, biomass gasification, and other methods. 

• Hydrogen gas supports emission reduction in sectors like steel, transport, and energy storage. 

• Infrastructure for hydrogen—especially storage and transport—requires strategic investment. 

What Are the States of Hydrogen? 

Hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, exists in three states: solid, liquid, and gas. Each state has specific uses based on the conditions under which it's most stable. 
 

• Gas: At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen exists as a diatomic gas (H₂). It's non-toxic, colorless, and odorless. This is the state most commonly used across industries due to ease of generation and immediate usability in pipelines and processes. 
   

• Liquid: Hydrogen gas condenses into a liquid at a very low temperature of -253°C. Liquid hydrogen is used in aerospace, where high energy density is needed. The low temperature required to maintain this state makes it expensive to store and transport, though advancements in cryogenic technology are addressing some challenges. 
   

• Solid: Under extreme pressure and low temperatures, hydrogen can exist as a solid. While not widely used industrially, solid hydrogen is of scientific interest and could have niche applications in space or materials science. 

Knowing the properties of hydrogen in these states helps determine how and where it's best applied in practice. 

To learn more about physical properties and conditions, read Stargate Hydrogen’s article on liquid hydrogen. 

Comparing Hydrogen Gas with Methane, Propane, and Butene 

Hydrogen gas competes with hydrocarbon gases in many industrial settings. Let’s compare key performance indicators relevant to R&D and procurement teams: 

Considerations about comparing hydrogen gas 

• Hydrogen’s key advantage is its zero-carbon emission when combusted. This makes it attractive for decarbonization initiatives. 
• Its disadvantage lies in volumetric energy—more space is needed to store the same amount of energy compared to hydrocarbons. 
• Infrastructure and handling safety are major concerns. Hydrogen is more flammable and leaks more easily than heavier gases. 

For further reading on technical comparisons, see this post on hydrogen storage solutions. 

Where Is Hydrogen Gas Used in Industry? 

Hydrogen gas serves as a fundamental building block in various industrial operations. Some of its current and emerging applications include: 

• Oil Refining: Used to remove sulfur from fuels, improving air quality when burned. 
• Fertilizer Production: A core input for ammonia synthesis via the Haber-Bosch process. 
• Methanol Production: Hydrogen is combined with CO or CO₂ to form methanol, a chemical used in many everyday products. 
• Steel Manufacturing: Hydrogen is being piloted as a cleaner reducing agent compared to coke, producing higher purity steel. 
• Electronics and Glass: Hydrogen creates controlled atmospheres to prevent oxidation in high-precision manufacturing. 
• Mobility: Hydrogen fuel cells are used in buses, trucks, and trains. 
• Backup and Peak Power Systems: Hydrogen can be stored and used to generate electricity during grid shortages. 

For more applications and examples, read Stargate Hydrogen’s article on the uses of hydrogen. 

Hydrogen Gas in Energy Storage 

Beyond combustion or industrial feedstock, hydrogen gas is increasingly used in energy storage systems. Here’s how: 

• Power-to-Gas: Excess renewable electricity (e.g., from solar or wind) is used to electrolyze water into hydrogen. That hydrogen can then be stored for long periods. 
• Seasonal Storage: Unlike batteries, hydrogen can be stored for months with minimal losses, making it useful for balancing seasonal energy fluctuations. 
• Fuel Cells for Grid Support: Stored hydrogen can be converted back to electricity during peak demand using stationary fuel cells. 

This energy buffering role is key for industries aiming to stabilize their operations while integrating renewables. 

Learn more in this post on hydrogen storage solutions. 

Hydrogen Gas Production Methods 

The way hydrogen gas is produced directly affects its cost and sustainability. Here's a closer look: 

1. Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) 

• Still the most common method. 
• Efficient but emits significant CO₂ unless paired with carbon capture. 

2. Electrolysis 

• Uses electricity to split water. 
• Can be fully green if powered by renewable energy. 
   

Technologies include:  

• Alkaline Electrolysers: Proven, cost-effective, longest lifespan and most reliable
• PEM Electrolysers: High efficiency, faster response, small form factor.  
• Solid Oxide: Operates at high temperatures, promising higher efficiencies and integration with heat-intensive processes. 

3. Biomass Gasification 

• Converts organic waste into hydrogen-rich gas. 
• Useful in circular economy strategies. 
• No greenhouse gas emissions thanks to being closed carbon cycle. 

4. Photocatalysis and Emerging Technologies 

• Research is ongoing into sunlight-driven direct hydrogen generation, but not yet commercial. 

For technical insights on production, check Hydrogen Production 101 by Stargate Hydrogen. 

Hydrogen Infrastructure Challenges 

Despite its benefits, hydrogen gas presents logistical hurdles: 

• Storage: Due to its low density, hydrogen must be compressed or liquefied. This increases costs and complexity. 

• Transport: Existing pipelines are not always compatible due to hydrogen embrittlement. Blending with natural gas is one option, but pure hydrogen distribution needs dedicated infrastructure. 

• Safety Protocols: Hydrogen is more flammable and leaks easily due to its small molecule size. Leak detection, ventilation, and training are all necessary. 

Companies looking to use hydrogen gas need to assess not just the fuel source, but also the infrastructure readiness of their facilities. 

For more on these challenges, read Stargate Hydrogen’s post on hydrogen system design. 

How Hydrogen Gas Helps Reduce Carbon Emissions 

One of hydrogen’s strongest benefits is the absence of carbon emissions during combustion. This makes it attractive for industries under pressure to decarbonize: 

• Steel Industry: Projects in Europe are piloting hydrogen instead of coal for ore reduction, significantly lowering CO₂ output and increasing steel quality 

• Heavy Transport: Hydrogen fuel cells are viable where battery solutions fall short due to exponentially increasing weight or charging time constraints. 

• Chemical Sector: Green hydrogen replaces fossil-derived feedstock in ammonia and methanol production, reducing lifecycle emissions. 

• Power Grid: Acts as long-term energy storage for intermittent renewables, reducing the need for coal or gas peaker plants. 

As regulatory frameworks tighten and carbon pricing spreads, hydrogen gas offers a realistic path to compliance and sustainability. 

For examples and use cases, see Stargate Hydrogen’s article on green hydrogen production. 

Final Thoughts 

Hydrogen gas is moving from niche applications to center stage in industrial strategies. Its unique energy properties, clean combustion, and versatility make it an important consideration for any company evaluating long-term decarbonization goals. But it’s not a plug-and-play solution. Each use case demands thoughtful planning—especially when it comes to production, storage, and infrastructure. 

Want to evaluate if hydrogen gas fits your technical roadmap? Contact Stargate Hydrogen's specialists for a detailed consultation.