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Sustainable, renewable energy is becoming a bigger part of the global conversation. From green cities to electric vehicles, new solutions to old problems are helping the world transition away from fossil fuels. But one element has been largely overlooked: hydrogen. Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant chemical element on Earth, yet it’s also one of the most misunderstood. With so many negative associations — explosive combinations, water-proof watches, that kid from school who lit himself on fire — its reputation precedes it. These misconceptions stop many from seeing hydrogen for what it truly is: an abundant source of fuel with massive potential as a sustainable, renewable energy source. Let’s break down some common myths about hydrogen to learn more about this exciting new solution in the fight against climate change and rising CO2 levels.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, present in stars and galaxies, as well as on our own planet. Hydrogen is also an incredibly clean fuel source: it can be created from water, CO2, and solar, wind, or other forms of sustainable energy. It is non-toxic and non-flammable, emitting only water and heat when used. When hydrogen is burned, it doesn’t release CO2 or any other harmful greenhouse gases. Hydrogen is also renewable: a single unit of the element can be produced by splitting water into its constituent parts of hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis or solar power. Hydrogen fuel cells are another way hydrogen is used in vehicles and power plants. These devices use the chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen to create electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells can be powered by renewable sources, like solar or wind, or be used in a centralized power grid to produce electricity.
Hydrogen is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas. The only way to see it is using specialized lab equipment. Similarly, you can’t touch it either, as you’ll just pass through it without any physical interaction.
We use the sun’s energy every day, but harnessing and storing solar energy is still a challenge. Solar panels can only collect and convert the sunlight that hits them, which means they are only as effective as the weather allows them to be on a given day. The output of solar energy also varies greatly by location. Wind turbines use the wind’s kinetic energy, which can be difficult to predict and unreliable. The best locations for wind power aren’t always the best places to build a large-scale installation, and that can make the cost of the energy produced uneconomical. Solar and wind energy can be paired together with batteries to create a more consistent source of electricity. But storing large amounts of energy is costly, and batteries are an imperfect solution. As the global population grows, the demand for energy will increase, and more efficient and stable sources of power will be necessary.
While hydrogen is highly combustible, it can be stored safely. There are several methods of hydrogen storage, such as hydrogen gas tanks, water electrolysis, or metal hydride tanks. Hydrogen gas can be stored in pressurized tanks like natural gas, but unlike natural gas, it can be easily converted back to electricity. Water electrolysis breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen can then be stored in metal hydride tanks or used in fuel cells.
Hydrogen is created during the process of burning fossil fuels, like oil and coal, and also as a byproduct of making fertilizer from natural gas. When we use clean energy, like solar and wind, the energy collected can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis: passing electricity through water to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen.
Hydrogen has been used as a fuel source for decades, but its efficiency has been limited. Many of the tools and systems we use to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen are inefficient and require significant investment. A large-scale transition to hydrogen as a sustainable fuel source is achievable, but it will take time and significant investment.
Fuel cells operate at very high temperatures, so they can release CO2 as a by-product. However, many of the same processes that produce hydrogen for fuel cells can also be used to create hydrogen for use in fertilizer. This means that on a large scale, the CO2 released by hydrogen fuel cells can be captured and used for other purposes. Additionally, the electrolysis process to produce hydrogen from water uses a significant amount of electricity, meaning the entire system is only as clean as the source of the electricity. If that electricity is coming from fossil fuels, it defeats the purpose of switching to hydrogen in the first place.
Hydrogen is an abundant, clean, non-flammable fuel that can be created from a variety of renewable and sustainable energy sources. It has been used as a fuel source for decades, but its full potential has been limited by inefficient systems. As the technologies and systems used to produce, store, and distribute hydrogen are improved, a hydrogen-based sustainable future is within reach. Hydrogen vehicles and renewable power plants are examples of how hydrogen can be used to produce electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells can also be used to power homes, offices, and other buildings. While hydrogen isn’t a perfect solution, it’s one we can start using today as we work toward a future without carbon emissions.