Green Hydrogen

What You Need To Know

Author

Mark Brunjes
October 16, 2023

Are you looking for a clean and efficient energy source to power your home or business? Green hydrogen is an emerging form of sustainable energy that promises no carbon emissions. However, it only accounts for less than 1 percent of total annual hydrogen production.

Through this article, you'll learn more about what green hydrogen is and where we are in terms of its development. Get ready to explore the potential benefits of green hydrogen and discover how it can help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.

Key Takeaways

  • Green hydrogen is a clean and sustainable form of fuel created by splitting water into its component elements, primarily using renewable energy sources.
     

  • Its advantages include being a substitute for fossil fuels while also serving as an effective storage system for harvested renewable energies over long periods.
     

  • Current utilization heavily depends on access/availability of renewable energy - especially those delivering a constant base load rather than intermittent peak loads.
     

  • A look into two companies on the cutting edge of this industry and how their recent breakthroughs could revolutionize our world completely.

The Many Colors of Hydrogen

In the vibrant spectrum of hydrogen energy, various color-coded types represent different production methods and environmental impacts.

Blue hydrogen, for instance, is produced from natural gas through steam methane reforming (SMF), coupled with carbon capture technology to minimize emissions. It serves as a bridge between traditional fossil fuel-based energy and cleaner alternatives.

Grey hydrogen, on the other hand, is also derived from natural gas but without carbon capture, making it less environmentally friendly.

Turquoise hydrogen, an innovative option, is created through methane pyrolysis, generating solid carbon instead of carbon dioxide. This exciting method offers a new pathway toward sustainability. Together, these diverse "colors" of hydrogen paint a complex picture of the opportunities and challenges in harnessing hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable energy source, each with its unique characteristics and potential role in the global energy landscape.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is an eco-friendly form of fuel created through the electrolysis of water that uses electricity primarily derived from renewable resources. This production process splits a molecule of water, which consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, into its component elements.

The resulting 99.95% pure gas can then be stored and used in various applications as an energy source or for transportation purposes. Green hydrogen is considered "green" due to its low carbon emissions, making it suitable for long-term sustainable use when powered by renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power.

The advantages green hydrogen offers include reduced reliance on fossil fuels - providing clean power for industries and sectors where traditional fuels cannot be efficiently employed - while also serving as an effective storage system for harvested renewable energies over long periods. Moreover, this technology stands to reduce overall emissions drastically compared with combustive alternatives while still allowing economies of scale generated by bulk orders, common in the aviation/transportation industry.

However current utilization heavily depends on access to renewable energy sources - especially those that deliver a constant base load rather than intermittent peak loads. Solving this issue is an essential prerequisite before such technologies can reach their full potential. However, there is another route to look at to solve this issue, which is exactly what the two companies below have done in slightly different ways. First, a look at the advantages and disadvantages of green hydrogen.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Green Hydrogen

While the concept of green hydrogen presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels, it's crucial to balance this potential with an understanding of its limitations. The following table provides a succinct overview of the advantages and disadvantages of green hydrogen.

In conclusion, although green hydrogen has significant advantages, it also has considerable challenges to overcome. It's the balancing of these pros and cons is exactly what the companies below have aimed to do with their innovative solutions.

Two Exciting Breakthroughs in Green Hydrogen Production

EPRO Advanced Technology’s SI+ Material

EPRO Advanced Technology has developed a groundbreaking porous silicon material known as SI+, which has the remarkable ability to break water (H2O) down into Silicon + Oxygen (SiO) and hydrogen (H2). This innovative technology addresses several longstanding challenges in the hydrogen energy sector, including safety risks, transportation difficulties, and issues with mass storage. Unlike traditional hydrogen solutions, SI+ does not rely on fossil fuels or intermittent energy sources such as solar or wind. Furthermore, it boasts an indefinite shelf life, making it easy to store for extended periods, and its carbon footprint can either be very low or even negative, contributing to its environmental sustainability.

The production of SI+ is achieved using electricity and metallurgical-grade silicon. Sources of silicon such as sand or old solar panels can be used to ensure no new carbon is created. Its unique composition means that it doesn't store hydrogen, thereby eliminating the risk of explosive reactions and enhancing its safety profile. This technology has the potential to redefine the energy landscape, transforming hydrogen from the fuel of the future to the fuel of tomorrow. With a wide array of potential applications ranging from home use to vehicles, aviation, and more, SI+ stands as a promising solution that could kickstart a new era of energy, positioning hydrogen as a viable and accessible fuel.

HSL Technology’s HydroSil

Another innovative solution has emerged which also uses silicon to strip H2 from water but in liquid form. HSL Technologies, a French start-up, has unveiled HydroSil, a liquid inorganic hydrogen carrier that could revolutionize the way we think about hydrogen transportation and storage. Unlike EPRO Advanced Techology’s methods, HydroSil remains a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure. With a high hydrogen density of 8.7% by weight, HydroSil offers an efficient way to transport massive amounts of hydrogen, making it a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly solution.

What sets HydroSil apart is its energy-efficient release process, requiring no additional energy input during the unloading of hydrogen. This feature, along with its compatibility with existing infrastructures, safety compliance, and long-term storage capabilities, positions Hydrosil as an exciting player in the hydrogen landscape. With plans to introduce a Hydrosil-powered boat and establish large-scale charging and release plants, HSL Technologies is on a clear path to commercialization. Supported by €13 million in Series A funding, the company is poised to bring HydroSil to the mass market by 2027.

Together with innovations like SI+, Hydrosil is paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future, unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a versatile and sustainable energy source.

Conclusion

Green Hydrogen has tremendous potential in the transition to a low-carbon, renewable energy economy. It is considered a clean and sustainable energy source because it does not produce any carbon emissions when used. As production technology matures, storage and transportation through existing infrastructure become increasingly feasible options for scaling up green hydrogen's usage globally.

With numerous countries investing in research and development of green hydrogen technologies to accelerate its deployment, future advancements are likely to build on today’s progress towards more efficient production techniques that help integrate this fuel into our energy system while reducing reliance on fossil fuels and combatting the effects of climate change in the long run.

We stand at the threshold of a more sustainable future, with hydrogen energy serving as a guiding light, illuminating our path toward environmental responsibility and long-term sustainability.

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