Green hydrogen is being considered as the fuel for the future. With many countries now focusing on their green hydrogen development and strategies, we can expect to see a growth in H2 in coming years. But, is green hydrogen already being used, and if so, where?
This blog will look at what green hydrogen is, the uses for it and how it is currently being utilised across the globe.
What is green hydrogen?
Green hydrogen is primarily a source of power and can be used in a range of forms from fuel to heating homes. Unlike other forms of hydrogen, green hydrogen has been generated using renewable energy, meaning the process is very low emission in contrast to alternative methods. Hydrogen itself is emissions-free, but the process requires a lot of energy. This is why green hydrogen is so valuable.
What is green hydrogen used for?
There are a few use cases for green hydrogen.
A key use for H2 is in transport. Hydrogen can be used as a form of fuel for fuel cells, this is likely to play a huge role in the decarbonisation of large-scale transport sectors. Many companies have already begun moving to hydrogen fuel for fleets in order to limit their carbon footprint. As well as land vehicles, there are plans underway to create aircrafts suitable for hydrogen power – though this is not likely to be mainstream for a few decades.
As well as fuel, hydrogen can be used as heating. H2 can be an alternative for cooking and heating homes and it is possible that we will see hydrogen available as an option to power homes in coming years.
Green ammonia production also has huge potential. Green hydrogen can be used to create green ammonia, the main component for fertiliser manufacturing. Once used on a wider scale, green ammonia will be responsible for reducing emissions in the food chain. But, green ammonia can also be used as a fuel and is likely to become a key step in the decarbonisation of the maritime industry.
Green hydrogen in 2022
Green hydrogen isn’t currently being widely used. It’s a relatively new technology; while hydrogen is already reasonably established in the market, in contrast, green hydrogen is likely to grow in coming years. Experts predict that by 2030 the cost of green hydrogen and green ammonia will be the same as their ‘grey’ counterparts – further prompting adoption across the globe.
One sector we are seeing the use of hydrogen being increased is in transport. The transport sector, including truck fleets, is the largest area of growth but there is also movement for the commercial market. Currently, there are two brands that are paving the way for hydrogen fueled cars but these are not currently being marketed as green hydrogen vehicles. It is expected that once the development of green hydrogen is ramped up, we will see faster and wider adoption of the product.
Hive’s work with green hydrogen
At Hive, we currently have a green hydrogen/ammonia pipeline of over 11 GW. Our upcoming green hydrogen projects include a substantial portion in Spain and South Africa, with further projects in Türkiye, Italy, Latin America, and Greece. To support our hydrogen strategy, we have a dedicated team working across the globe to develop our projects.
To find out more about our green hydrogen work, click the button below.
