How green hydrogen could power industries from steel-making to farming

Hydrogen, the most abundant element, is gaining attention as a clean energy source due to its ability to produce energy when combined with oxygen, with water being the only by-product. This has led to the exploration of hydrogen as a versatile solution for powering vehicles and industrial processes currently reliant on fossil fuels.

Despite its potential, the majority of hydrogen produced today is classified as “grey” hydrogen, generated through processes that release carbon dioxide. To move towards net-zero emissions, countries are looking towards “blue” hydrogen, where CO2 emissions are captured and stored, or “green” hydrogen, produced by electrolyzing water with renewable energy sources.

UN chief Antonio Guterres has emphasized the importance of green hydrogen as a strategic investment for Western countries to compete with China in the clean energy sector.

However, the transition to low-carbon hydrogen faces challenges as it is currently more expensive than grey hydrogen. Government support and subsidies are crucial to scale up production and drive down costs. While some regions like the European Union are backing the industry, others like the US, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, have halted planned low-carbon hydrogen projects.

Due to these barriers, projections for low-carbon hydrogen production have been revised downwards. Analysts suggest that governments and companies should prioritize clean hydrogen applications that offer the greatest environmental and economic benefits.

Steel Industry

Hydrogen holds promise for decarbonizing the steel industry, where it can replace carbon in the iron production process, leading to carbon-free steel production. Initiatives like Stegra in Sweden are pioneering carbon-free steel plants powered by green hydrogen, although challenges remain in ensuring affordable renewable electricity supply.

Ammonia Production

Hydrogen plays a vital role in producing ammonia, a key component in fertilizers and various industrial processes. Countries like Saudi Arabia are investing in green ammonia production using renewable energy sources, highlighting the potential for decarbonizing this critical sector.

Alternative Fuels

Hydrogen-based fuels like ammonia and hydrotreated vegetable oil are being explored as low-carbon alternatives for heavy transport modes such as shipping and aviation. These fuels could significantly reduce emissions in sectors that are challenging to electrify entirely.

Looking ahead, innovations in hydrogen technology, such as fuel cell aircraft, offer promising solutions for achieving zero-carbon transportation in the future.