What will we use hydrogen for?
Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy sources of the future. The rise of climate change, combined with the need to reduce fossil fuel consumption, has led to a search for sustainable and clean alternatives. But what will we actually use hydrogen for? In this article, we delve into the uses of hydrogen, from energy production to transportation and industrial processes.
The rise of hydrogen as an energy source
Hydrogen has been an option as an energy source for years, but only recently have we seen large-scale projects and investments. This is because global pressure to become more sustainable is increasing, and countries and companies are realizing that hydrogen can play a key role in reducing CO2 emissions.
The main reason hydrogen is so interesting lies in its versatility. It can be used as a fuel, energy storage, and even in industrial processes that currently rely on fossil fuels. Moreover, when used, it produces only water vapor, making it a clean energy carrier.
Applications of hydrogen in energy production
Hydrogen as fuel for power stations
One of the most interesting applications of hydrogen is its use in power plants. Instead of coal or gas, hydrogen plants can generate electricity without CO2 emissions. This offers a huge advantage for countries that rely on fossil fuels for their energy supply.
Hydrogen as renewable energy storage
Another important use of hydrogen is as a renewable energy storage medium. For example, when there's a surplus of solar or wind energy, it can be converted into hydrogen, which can later be used to generate electricity when demand is higher.
The process of producing green hydrogen begins with storing excess renewable energy by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored and used whenever energy is needed, whether that's a day, a month, or even a year later.
Transport and hydrogen
Hydrogen cars vs electric vehicles
Hydrogen also plays a major role in the transportation sector. While electric vehicles (EVs) are currently receiving a lot of attention, hydrogen vehicles are a potentially important alternative. Hydrogen vehicles use a fuel cell to generate electricity, meaning they emit no CO2. Hydrogen vehicles can also use a combustion engine (hydrogen internal combustion engine). Essentially the same as a diesel vehicle, but with hydrogen as fuel. A combustion engine still emits greenhouse gases, but much less than a diesel vehicle.
A key advantage of hydrogen cars is that they can be refueled faster than EVs can charge, and they have a longer range. On the other hand, the infrastructure for hydrogen refueling stations is still limited, while charging stations for electric vehicles are expanding rapidly.
Future of hydrogen in public transport
Hydrogen also holds great potential in public transport. Buses, trains, and even ferries can be powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Cities like London, Paris, and even Groningen already have hydrogen buses in operation, and several countries are experimenting with hydrogen trains to replace polluting diesel locomotives.
Hydrogen in aviation
Airlines and aircraft manufacturers are now exploring the possibilities of hydrogen propulsion. Although commercial hydrogen-powered aircraft are still a long way off, the first steps are already being taken. Hydrogen can offer an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional kerosene fuels. The hydrogen is then converted into another medium, such as e-kerosene. These hydrogen carriers are called SAFs – sustainable aviation fuels.
Aviation faces significant challenges, including aircraft design and the storage of large quantities of hydrogen. However, with the right investments and technological advancements, hydrogen could play a significant role in making aviation more sustainable.
Industrial applications of hydrogen
Hydrogen in the steel industry
The steel industry is one of the largest CO2 emitters worldwide. Using green hydrogen instead of coal or gray hydrogen in steel production can drastically reduce emissions. This process, known as direct reduction, is already being tested in several countries.
Use of hydrogen in the chemical industry
Hydrogen is also widely used in the chemical industry, particularly for the production of ammonia and methanol. These substances are, in turn, used in fertilizers, plastics, and other essential products.
Hydrogen for heating industrial processes
Many industrial processes, such as refining and manufacturing, require high temperatures that are often generated using fossil fuels. Hydrogen can be a clean energy source for providing heat.
Report on the East Groningen industrial cluster, naming and linking
In-depth study of the hydrogen theme
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