As scientists try to find a way to reduce carbon emissions and decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, green hydrogen is currently lauded as the fuel of the future. If you’ve never heard of this form of fuel or aren’t sure how it works, you’re not alone. The concept of green hydrogen has existed for some time now, but it’s a very new concept to many people. With political bodies like the United Nations and the European Commission backing this “new” form of fuel, the public is still trying to figure it out. To help you stay informed and updated on sustainable energy, let this article be your guide to green hydrogen production.
What Is Green Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements in our universe and is part of almost every living thing. This element can generate power through chemical reactions, as it’s highly combustible. Its only byproducts are water and heat. Green hydrogen is the production of hydrogen using only renewable energy sources.
How Is Green Hydrogen Produced?
Although hydrogen is incredibly abundant, it’s hard to find pure hydrogen on Earth; it is mainly paired with oxygen in the form of water. In order to “harvest” hydrogen, molecules containing hydrogen need to be split. Green hydrogen production is done through electrolysis. In order to extract hydrogen, we need other energy sources. Renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, generates the electricity necessary for hydrogen extraction.
Once the hydrogen has been split and extracted from the water molecule, it can be burned directly or put in a fuel cell. Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce heat and electricity across an electrochemical cell. Other forms of hydrogen extraction processes, such as grey, blue, and turquoise, all use methods that aren’t sustainable, such as pyrolysis and steam reforming.
The Benefits of Green Hydrogen
As mentioned, the byproducts of green hydrogen are water and heat. Fossil fuels produce carcinogens and chemicals, so green hydrogen is a cleaner fuel alternative. Green hydrogen comes from water, releases water as a byproduct, and is extracted by using renewable forms of energy, making the entire process renewable. Additionally, it can be stored for months without discharging. All of these things can drastically reduce carbon emissions and decrease the amount of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere.
Hopefully, this quick guide to green hydrogen production helps you understand more about the process and why so many people want to make this form of energy more accessible. If you’re interested in using your wind turbines to produce green hydrogen, let Santie Oil be your one-stop shop to keep them turning. We sell high-quality wind turbine lubricants in bulk to help your operations continue running smoothly.