One of the objectives that nations from all over the world have established for 2050 is decarbonizing the earth. The generation of an element like hydrogen, which produces green hydrogen, constitutes one of the essentials to achieving this goal because it now accounts for more than 2% of all worldwide emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2).
According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) most recent predictions, which were released at the end of 2019, the world’s energy consumption would rise by 25% to 30% through 2040, which would result in an increase in CO2 in economies dependent on coal and oil and exacerbate climate change. Decarbonizing the earth, on the other hand, envisions a new world in 2050, one that is cleaner and more sustainable, powered by clean energy like green hydrogen.
Impact of this clean hydrogen
In nations including the United States, China, France, Russia, and Germany, hydrogen is mainly used as fuel. Others, such as Japan, are taking things a step further and want to transition to a hydrogen economy. The future impact is described in the sections below:
Water and electricity generator
These two substances are produced in a fuel cell by the reaction of hydrogen as well as oxygen. This method, which sustainably supplies personnel with water and energy, has shown to be highly helpful in space missions
Mobility and transportation
Since hydrogen is so adaptable, it may be employed in industries like heavy transportation, aviation, and marine transportation that are highly challenging to decarbonize. Several initiatives are currently underway to bring this technology to passenger planes, including Hycarus along with Cryoplane, which are supported by the European Union (EU)
Power reserve
Long-term energy storage is possible using compressed hydrogen tanks, which are also lighter and simpler to handle compared to lithium-ion batteries.
Green hydrogen as a fuel
In the forthcoming energy transformation that the world’s economy must spearhead to become carbon neutral and stop climate change, green hydrogen is going to be one of the key players.
To achieve this, it will be crucial to stopping emissions in those applications that are now challenging to electrify, and this is where green hydrogen asserts its potential owing to all of its inherent advantages:
- It is a green source of energy since it only produces water as waste.
- It employs natural resources that have not yet run out, making it a renewable energy source.
- It can be stored. Green hydrogen may be compressed and kept for a very long period in temporary tanks.
- It can be moved around. Compressed hydrogen tanks are simpler to handle than lithium batteries since they are lighter, which also makes them easier to carry because hydrogen represents a very light element.
Conclusion
Green hydrogen has gained both economic and political traction because of its adaptability, and it might play a critical role in attaining a carbon-free future. Its broad use will be essential for decarbonizing energy-intensive industries that are challenging to decarbonize, like steel and cement manufacturing.
By 2050, consumer demand for green hydrogen is expected to have increased by 700% worldwide. An industry-wide acceptance of green hydrogen is going to have a significant impact on present value chains and create economic possibilities for countries with an important place in the market.