The role of green hydrogen in the global decarbonization process
Decarbonization refers to the process of reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, with the ultimate goal of eliminating them from the global energy system. This is a critical component of the global effort to combat climate change, which is driven by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The primary sources of these emissions are the burning of fossil fuels for energy, industrial processes, and deforestation. To mitigate the severe impacts of climate change—such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and loss of biodiversity—there is an urgent need to transition to a low-carbon economy.
The international community has recognized the importance of this transition, as evidenced by agreements such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels. Achieving this target necessitates a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions across all sectors, including energy, transportation, industry, and agriculture.
Green hydrogen is emerging as a pivotal solution in the quest for decarbonization. This is produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydroelectric power. This process splits water (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) without emitting CO₂, making it a truly clean energy carrier.
The potential applications of green hydrogen are vast and transformative. It can be used as a feedstock for various sectors, an energy vector, and fuel in substitution for coal and fossil fuels derived from crude oil. Many sectors can take advantage of the power of hydrogen, especially the so-called hard-to-abate, transportation, and energy storage.
In fact, green hydrogen can replace fossil fuels in industrial processes that are hard to electrify, such as steel and cement production. These industries are among the largest emitters of CO₂, and the adoption of green hydrogen can significantly reduce their carbon footprints. In this context, De Nora participated in various EU-funded projects, such as the HytecHeat, with the ultimate goal of eliminating CO2 emissions in the steel production-making process.
The production of ammonia is another sector where green hydrogen can make a significant impact. Ammonia is produced through the Haber-Borsch process, which requires hydrogen and nitrogen to occur. While nitrogen is extracted from air, hydrogen is supplied by the steam reforming of methane. Hence, substituting grey with green hydrogen will be the only solution to fully decarbonize the fertilizer sectors.
The petrol refinery sector also faces limited alternatives, making green hydrogen the primary choice for decarbonization. In fact, petroleum refineries use hydrogen in downstream units, such as hydrocrackers and hydrotreaters, to meet fuel specifications for producing distillate, jet fuel, and other petroleum products.
Hydrogen fuel cells can power vehicles, from cars and buses to trucks and trains, offering a zero-emission alternative to internal combustion engines. This is particularly valuable for heavy-duty and long-distance transportation, where battery-electric vehicles may not be practical due to weight and range limitations.
Green hydrogen can act as a means of storing excess renewable energy. During periods of low demand and high renewable energy production, surplus electricity can be used to produce hydrogen, which can then be stored and converted back to electricity when needed. This helps to balance supply and demand and enhances the stability and resilience of the energy grid.
The integration of green hydrogen into the global energy system presents numerous benefits. It not only aids in reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also promotes energy security and independence by diversifying energy sources. Moreover, the development of a green hydrogen economy can stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and drive innovation in new technologies and infrastructure.
In conclusion, decarbonization is an essential and urgent task to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. Green hydrogen stands out as a versatile and clean energy carrier that can play a crucial role in achieving deep decarbonization across multiple sectors. As technology advances and the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, the adoption of green hydrogen is expected to accelerate, paving the way for a sustainable and low-carbon future.