Let’s face it! Green H2 is the talk of every sustainability or clean energy enthusiast. Unlike ever before, the world is united in the search for clean energy from green H2. Arguably, some of the world’s biggest research projects in the energy sector are about this potential sustainable energy source. So what exactly is green H2 and why is everyone interested in exploring it?
Well, green H2 is simply hydrogen that is produced by using an electrolyzer to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. It has over the last couple of years been identified and promoted as an alternative to carbon-emitting sources. The electrolysis of water to produce hydrogen can be powered by clean energy sources such as solar and wind power. However, the high energy requirement to split water is one of the reasons green H2 has been used in low levels compared to fossil fuel sources.
One of the reasons behind green H2’s popularity is the fact that any device or system that uses electricity can also run on it. That means that all electronic devices and even electric vehicles can use it without any hassle. But that’s not all! Trucks and even aircraft are already making trials of how to run effectively and efficiently using green H2 power.
Interestingly, green H2 can also be a substitute natural gas that is used for cooking as well as heating homes. It is, in fact, projected that the use of green H2 is likely to hit the highest level soon. For instance, it is expected that by 2050, green H2 will be the leading energy source for powering homes in the United Kingdom.
Now, you’ve probably heard the news of major transitions from last year. Major companies, especially in Europe made public their plans to transition into the use of green H2 in 2020. Presently, many industries in Europe, America, Asia, and almost all other parts of the world are all striving to come up with technologies that will make hydrogen a not only clean source of energy but also a cost-effective alternative.
Well, it turns out, almost all the leading manufacturers in the world are also carrying out different experiments on how to transition fully into the use of green H2. Experts describe this process as experimental learning. The best part? From these trials and processes, there are already many technologies and innovations that might make green H2 truly the energy of the future.
As it stands now, the major impediment to the transition into the use of green H2 is the high cost of production. The relatively high cost of splitting water is what makes it a challenging/expensive process. But with the kinds of projects and research going on by leading companies and institutions, there is a great chance that green H2 might be the energy of the future. It’s just a matter of time.
Some countries and world-leading companies have already made major strides. Others are even planning how to export it since they have made breakthroughs regarding large-scale production, especially for commercial use. So, what stands between energy and being the energy of the future is just time!
