Green hydrogen – the future of energy

Hydrogen technologies are rapidly gaining importance and encompass various solutions that enable the production, storage, and use of hydrogen in many sectors. Among the available technologies, the most important is electrolysis, which, when powered by renewable energy, produces green hydrogen – hydrogen produced without emitting carbon dioxide. Another well-established technology is fuel cells, which convert hydrogen into electricity, allowing for emission-free powering of vehicles, buildings, and industrial plants.

Technologies are being developed to safely store hydrogen in large quantities, both in gaseous and liquid forms. Simultaneously, work is underway to expand infrastructure, including distribution networks and hydrogen refueling stations. Investments in these technologies aim not only at decarbonization but also at improving energy security and fostering economies based on renewable energy sources.

"Hydrogen has the potential to become a pillar of the energy future, especially in public and heavy transport, where other decarbonization technologies have limited application. Its versatility and ability to store renewable energy mean that hydrogen can fill the gaps where electricity from the grid is insufficient. However, investments in infrastructure development and further work on optimizing production costs will be key. Currently, this technology is too expensive for widespread distribution." comments Dr. Piotr Danielski, Technical Director at DB Energy.

In addition to green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy, there are other types of hydrogen, differing primarily in their production methods and environmental impact. Grey hydrogen is produced by steam reforming of natural gas, a process that generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This is currently the most commonly used method of hydrogen production, though it has a high carbon footprint. Blue hydrogen is produced in a similar way to grey hydrogen, but CO₂ emissions are captured and stored, reducing its negative impact on the climate. Brown hydrogen, on the other hand, is produced from coal, resulting in large emissions. Each of these hydrogen types offers different technological benefits, but green hydrogen is considered the most sustainable solution in terms of environmental protection.

What is green hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water using energy derived exclusively from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. In this process, electricity splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). The key factor distinguishing green hydrogen from other types (grey, blue) is that the production of green hydrogen generates no carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. This makes green hydrogen the most environmentally friendly solution among hydrogen technologies, aligning with global climate neutrality goals.

How is green hydrogen produced?

The production of green hydrogen is based on electrolysis, a technology that has been known for years but is gaining importance in the context of hydrogen energy. The key steps in green hydrogen production are:

• Water electrolysis

The process involves splitting water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen using an electric current. In the case of green hydrogen, this current comes from renewable energy sources, making the entire process zero-emission.

• Hydrogen recovery

The hydrogen produced during electrolysis is collected, purified, and stored in appropriate tanks.

• Renewable energy use

A crucial factor is the source of electricity used for electrolysis. Green hydrogen is only produced when this energy comes from renewable sources, such as wind farms, solar power plants, or hydroelectric power plants.

Advantages of green hydrogen

Green hydrogen offers many benefits that contribute to sustainable energy development and the decarbonization of the industrial sector:

• Zero emissions - unlike traditional energy sources, green hydrogen production generates no CO₂ emissions, making it a key element in the fight against global warming.
• Energy storage - green hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier, enabling the storage of surplus renewable energy (e.g., wind or solar) for later use.
• Economic development - investments in hydrogen technologies support the development of a zero-emission economy, create new jobs, and strengthen energy security.

Challenges related to green hydrogen

Although the advantages of green hydrogen are undeniable, several challenges must be overcome for this technology to be widely implemented on an industrial scale:

• High production costs - currently, green hydrogen is much more expensive to produce than traditionally produced hydrogen (e.g., grey or blue). This is due to the costs of installing electrolyzers, the requirements for renewable energy, and the efficiency of the devices used.
• Infrastructure - the mass-scale introduction of green hydrogen requires the expansion of storage and transport infrastructure, which in many countries, such as Poland, is still under deep development.
• Energy efficiency - the electrolysis process requires large amounts of energy, which can be a challenge in situations where access to cheap renewable energy is limited.
• Scalability - for green hydrogen to play a significant role in decarbonization, large-scale investments are necessary.

Applications of hydrogen technologies

Hydrogen can be used in many sectors, making it a universal technology that supports global efforts to reduce emissions when produced using renewable energy sources. The most important areas where green hydrogen can be applied include:

• Transport

Hydrogen can be used to power vehicles equipped with fuel cells, enabling emission-free operation of cars, trucks, and buses. The use of hydrogen in heavy transport is particularly promising, as lithium-ion batteries are less efficient in such applications.

• Industry

In many industrial processes, especially in the steel, chemical, and refinery sectors, hydrogen can partially replace fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

• Energy

Green hydrogen can serve as an energy storage solution, helping to stabilize energy supplies from renewable sources by reducing fluctuations in renewable energy production and ensuring its stability.

In summary, hydrogen is a technology with enormous potential that can play a key role in energy transformation and industrial decarbonization. Its production using renewable energy is a critical step toward achieving global climate goals. However, to fully exploit the opportunities offered by hydrogen, several challenges must be addressed, including the high production costs and the lack of developed infrastructure, which will require substantial financial investments. For industrial companies aiming to innovate and invest in sustainable development, hydrogen technologies could become a valuable tool in achieving zero emissions. It is worth monitoring this sector's development and considering the integration of green hydrogen into future energy strategies.