What is Green Hydrogen?

Green Hydrogen is the vector produced with electricity derived from clean and renewable sources, such as hydroelectric, wind, solar and the ones generated from biomass, biogas etc. In other words, it is zero carbon: obtained with no emission of CO2.

Since the renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and biomass generate electricity, hydrogen can take an integrating role between the generation of electricity and other uses and applications, such as the energy and chemical ones. This concept is called Power-to-X (PtX).

The PtX technologies can be used to produce hydrogen for vehicles powered by fuel cell, or kerosene for aircrafts with low climatic and environmental impact, for instance. The term “Power” refers to the temporary electricity surplus above the demand and the term “X” means the kind of energy or the intended use.

For this reason, Green Hydrogen and its PtX Technologies are considered fundamental for the energy transition, which is in the agenda of the committed countries to fight climate changes – it is projected that Green Hydrogen will replace petroleum and natural gas as the main energy resource by 2050.

Current scenario

Global policies are being implemented in order to reduce the costs for production, distribution and application of green hydrogen. The necessity of meeting the decarbonization goals can make electrolysis approximately 40% cheaper by 2030.

  • In 2021, there are over 200 projects related to green hydrogen, in more than 30 countries.
  • In 2021, the Hydrogen Council is made up of 109 global companies, with a combined capital of US$ 6.8 trillion.
  • Countries like Germany, South Korea, Japan, China, France, USA and the United Kingdom lead the sector in terms of investments and innovation.
  • In 2020, most of the projects (85%) were in Europe, Asia and Australia.