Syllabus Section: Science & Technology

 

Why in news?

Recently, A report published by Capgemini named “Net Zero 2020”. The report had declaration that at nearly €6 per kg, green hydrogen is not competitive today with fossil energies.

In another such report named “The Renewable Hydrogen Coalition” on green hydrogen showed the price estimate for green hydrogen to be €6/kg.

What is green Carbon?

• Hydrogen that is produced from renewable energy sources is called Green Hydrogen. It has gained much importance in the global world and it is believed that the fuel can play a major role in decarbonizing sectors of the economy that are hard-to-electrify like aviation, long-haul trucking, and heavy manufacturing.

How is Green Hydrogen formed?

• Green Hydrogen is produced if renewable energy is used to produce electricity for the electrolysis of water. In this case, the hydrogen is produced without any harmful emissions.

Advantages of Green Hydrogen

• Hydrogen is a 100 % sustainable source: Green hydrogen does not emit polluting gases in its combustion or production processes.

• Green Hydrogen is a gas and thus would be easily stored. It can be subsequently used for other purposes just following its production.

• It can be easily transformed into electricity or synthetic gas which can then be used for domestic, commercial, industrial purposes.

• Green hydrogen can be mixed with the natural gas, up to a maximum of 20 %. It can also be transported through the same pipes and in the same infrastructure. 

Disadvantages of Green Hydrogen

• Renewable sources, which would be used to generate green hydrogen through electrolysis, are extremely expensive currently taking the cost of the whole production to sky heights.

• The production of green hydrogen requires more energy than other fuels.

• Green hydrogen is an extremely volatile and flammable element.  It needs extensive safety measures to prevent leakage and explosions.

Significance of Green Hydrogen

• Hydrogen is being used across the United States, Russia, China, France and Germany. Countries like Japan desire to become a hydrogen economy in future.

• Green hydrogen can in future be used for

• Electricity and drinking water generation, energy storage, transportation etc.

• Green hydrogen can be used to provide water to the crew members in space stations.

• Energy storage- Compressed hydrogen tanks can store the energy longer and are easier to handle than lithium-ion batteries as they are lighter.

• Transport and mobility- Hydrogen can be used in heavy transport, aviation and maritime transport.

 

Source: Bloomberg