Author: Oskar Pecyna
In an era driven by innovation and the constant pursuit of sustainable solutions, hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate for the clean energy revolution. But with its rising popularity, several myths and misconceptions have spread, clouding the perception of this abundant element and its potential benefits.
It's time to debunk these hydrogen myths and shed light on the truth behind this game-changing fuel source.
MYTH #1: There are different colours of hydrogen.
Truth: Hydrogen is colourless. The colour codes refer to how it was produced and how much carbon is emitted.
Grey Hydrogen - Grey hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR). This method involves using high-temperature steam to extract hydrogen from methane, the primary component of natural gas. While it's an efficient way to generate hydrogen, it comes with environmental implications due to the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Blue Hydrogen - Blue hydrogen refers to hydrogen produced from natural gas but with a significant emphasis on reducing carbon emissions compared to "grey hydrogen" production. It involves utilizing the same process as grey hydrogen—steam methane reforming (SMR), which extracts hydrogen from natural gas. However, what distinguishes blue hydrogen is the incorporation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
Green Hydrogen - Green hydrogen refers to hydrogen gas produced through a process called electrolysis, where renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power are used to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. This method produces zero carbon emissions and is considered the most environmentally friendly way to generate hydrogen.
MYTH #2: Hydrogen is a primary energy source like petroleum
Truth: You have to produce hydrogen from other compounds before you can utilise it.
Hydrogen is often considered an energy carrier because it doesn't occur naturally in large amounts on Earth in a free form. Instead, it needs to be produced from other compounds through various methods.
The most common methods of hydrogen production include:
Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) - This process involves reacting methane (natural gas) with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.
Electrolysis - Water electrolysis is a process where an electric current is passed through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen. This can be powered by renewable sources such as solar or wind energy, making it a cleaner method.
Partial Oxidation - This process involves partially oxidizing a hydrocarbon feedstock, like natural gas or oil, to produce hydrogen.
Biomass Gasification - Organic materials, such as agricultural residues or wood, can be gasified to produce hydrogen.
MYTH #3: Production of green hydrogen requires too much water.
Truth: Water usage during hydrogen production is less when compared to other power generation methods.
Research has demonstrated that hydrogen production requires relatively less water usage when compared to other power generation methods. According to a 2021 study, the water usage for hydrogen production is measured at 0.97 L/kWh, which is significantly lower compared to coal, biomass, and nuclear power generation, which require 3.8 L/kWh for coal alone. This indicates that hydrogen production can provide a more water-efficient alternative for energy generation.
MYTH #4: Hydrogen gas is dangerous.
Truth: When handled correctly, hydrogen is safer than commonly used fuels today.
Hydrogen gas has properties that make it safer to handle compared to conventional fuel. It is colourless, odourless, and non-toxic. Hydrogen is about 57 times lighter than gasoline vapor which means that if hydrogen is released in an open environment it will disperse rapidly compared to gasoline vapor. It is important to note the need for sensors is imperative in hydrogen fueling stations, equipment, and facilities due to hydrogen being both colorless and odorless. Advanced technology allows for remote hydrogen sensing, which ensures reliable detection of any potential hydrogen leaks.
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