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Energy transitions are a global priority, driven by the urgency of mitigating the consequences of climate change. They are real and have serious consequences. Among the various alternative energy solutions to fossil fuels, hydrogen is gaining importance. However, although it is often referred to as the “fuel of the future”, its use as an energy source has advantages and disadvantages that are worth discussing.
The main advantage of hydrogen is its potential to generate clean, decarbonized energy. When used in fuel cells, hydrogen combines with oxygen to produce electricity, with the only byproduct of this reaction being water. This means that, unlike fossil fuels, the use of hydrogen does not emit greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants into the environment. This makes hydrogen a core part of decarbonization strategies, particularly in sectors where direct electrification is difficult, such as heavy industry and long-distance transport.
Another advantage of hydrogen is its versatility. It can be used in different forms of energy production, from fuel cells for electric vehicles to large-scale power plants. In addition, it can be stored and transported relatively efficiently, allowing it to be used when energy demand increases, making it an attractive solution for balancing the seasonality of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.
Widespread adoption of hydrogen could help reduce global reliance on fossil fuels, as hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources, including electrolysis of water using renewable energy.
Today, one of the biggest drawbacks of hydrogen is its production cost. Despite being the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen is rarely isolated in nature and therefore needs to be separated from molecules such as water or natural gas. Producing “green” hydrogen using water electrolysis powered by renewable energy still costs significantly more than “grey” hydrogen produced using natural gas, which produces carbon emissions.
This cost difference is an economic barrier that explains some of the delays in the widespread adoption of green hydrogen, which is considered the most sustainable solution. Lack of adequate infrastructure is another significant barrier to the adoption of hydrogen as an energy source. Hydrogen transportation and distribution networks remain underdeveloped compared to natural gas or electricity infrastructure. In addition, fuel cells and hydrogen-powered vehicles remain rare and expensive, which poses a barrier to entry for many consumers.
Hydrogen, as a clean energy source, requires specific safety precautions when handling and using it. It is highly flammable and can form explosive mixtures with air at certain concentrations. Because it is a very light and diffuse gas, it is difficult to control, which increases the risk of leaks. In most uses, it must withstand compression and high pressure. Although the safety technology surrounding hydrogen is constantly evolving, and knowledge and standards that define basic safety parameters already exist, these risks require additional measures in handling and storage, which may increase the cost and complexity of projects.
In short, hydrogen has the potential to play a central role in the transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. From its production of clean energy to its versatility in a wide range of applications, its advantages are significant. However, there are also significant challenges that need to be overcome, such as high production costs, lack of infrastructure, and safety issues. The future of hydrogen as an energy generator will also depend largely on the development of technologies that can reduce production costs and increase the efficiency of the energy cycle. In addition, coordinated efforts are needed between governments, industry, and society to invest in the infrastructure and regulations needed to support the large-scale adoption of hydrogen.
Voltalia Group CTO and Country Manager Portugal
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