Exploring the evolution of energy consumption throughout human history, from ancient wood drilling for fire to the widespread use of coal in the agricultural era and the extensive utilization of oil and natural gas in the industrial era, it is evident that society constantly strives to develop and adopt cleaner energy sources.
In this context, hydrogen energy has emerged as a promising contender due to its high combustion calorific value, sustainability, abundant reserves, and minimal environmental impact, marking a significant shift towards green, clean, and sustainable development.
In contrast to other renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water energy, which are often constrained by geographic locations and seasonal variations, as well as nuclear energy with its potential for severe environmental repercussions in case of leaks, hydrogen energy stands out.
Its high combustion calorific value, coupled with attributes such as sustainability, abundance, and zero pollution, has captured the attention of innovators and policymakers alike.
The term "green" hydrogen energy refers to the process of utilizing renewable energy rather than fossil fuels to power the electrolysis of water, resulting in the production of hydrogen.
This approach addresses two critical limitations hindering the widespread use of renewable energy – instability due to reliance on solar irradiation and windy conditions, and a lack of synchronicity between electricity generation and demand.
The production of green hydrogen requires nothing more than water and an electrolyzer once a sufficient supply of electricity is secured.
The versatility of this end product is unparalleled, as it can be directly used to power fuel cells in vehicles or ships, burned in cogeneration or heating plants, or employed as a substitute for the 10 million tons of industrial hydrogen currently produced in the United States using natural gas.
Governments globally are recognizing the potential of green hydrogen and are investing heavily in its development. The United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and Australia have all introduced hydrogen strategies, with Australia committing over $200 million in startup funding.
The Netherlands aims to have 500 MW of green electrolyzers operational by 2025, while Portugal plans to establish a solar power plant for green hydrogen production by 2023.
Major developed countries and economies view hydrogen energy as a strategic choice for energy transformation, investing significantly to solidify their positions in the burgeoning hydrogen energy industry.
The shift from fossil energy to renewable energy in hydrogen production is gaining momentum, emphasizing the importance of large-scale, low-cost hydrogen production.
Technologies combining "renewable energy + water electrolysis hydrogen" have garnered attention, offering the potential for large-scale development by efficiently absorbing wind and photovoltaic power, addressing the challenge of unstable energy sources.
In Europe, the European Commission has prioritized green hydrogen energy as a crucial element in achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality target.
Their phased strategy includes installing at least 6 gigawatts of renewable hydrogen electrolyzers in the EU by 2024, with a capacity of up to 1 million tons of renewable hydrogen.
Subsequently, between 2025 and 2030, the goal is to install at least 40 gigawatts of electrolyzers, capable of producing up to 10 million tons of renewable hydrogen, followed by the large-scale deployment of hydrogen technology in all "hard to decarbonize" sectors between 2030 and 2050.
This strategic commitment underscores the global recognition of green hydrogen as a transformative force in the quest for sustainable and clean energy solutions.
