What is Green Hydrogen and why is it important to the energy transition?

The race is on to find alternative, more environmentally acceptable sources of energy. Green hydrogen is one of several alternative fuels under consideration. But what is green hydrogen- and why is it so important?

The hydrogen color code

Green hydrogen is so called because of the production method and the source of the energy used in the process. In fact, hydrogen comes in several colours: grey, brown, blue, and green. The color indicates how each type is made.

• Grey hydrogen is derived from natural gas
• Brown hydrogen is derived from coal
• Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas or coal, in combination with carbon capture technologies
• Green hydrogen is made using electrolysis to split water into its constituent molecules of hydrogen and oxygen using renewable power, resulting in net zero energy

Green hydrogen and the energy transition

Clearly, the use of hydrogen in industrial applications is not new. In fact, we’ve been using this gas for more than 100 years. It already plays a critical role in the production of ammonia, methanol, and steel, but almost all our industrial hydrogen is still made

using fossil fuels. So, there is significant potential to reduce industrial emissions by switching to green hydrogen.

Green hydrogen also has the potential to drive down costs and environmental impacts in other sectors, according the IEA report on the Future of Hydrogen.

• In transport, green hydrogen could improve the competitiveness of hydrogen fuel cell mobility and provide a zero emission fuel alternative for maritime applications and aviation.
• In buildings, green hydrogen could be blended into existing natural gas networks to reduce the carbon footprint of heating domestic and commercial buildings. Longer term, green hydrogen could also be used directly in hydrogen boilers or fuel cells.
• In power generation, hydrogen is one of the leading options for storing renewable energy. Hydrogen and ammonia can be used in gas turbines to increase power system flexibility.

So, if we can decarbonize hydrogen production, we can significantly reduce global carbon emissions and improve sustainability..

Delivering green hydrogen

There are still several challenges to overcome before we can produce green hydrogen at scale. Some – such as policy frameworks, funding, and common standards – are dependent on governments to take the lead. Others will require engineering expertise to resolve. These include the flammable and corrosive nature of the gas, the need to remove impurities during production, transportation and storage, and plant lifecycle considerations.

Celeros Flow Technology are already ahead of the green hydrogen demand curve. We have a comprehensive selection of flow control equipment and consultancy services to aid customers who are seeking either to convert existing operations to green hydrogen production or build new facilities to incorporate renewable energy and carbon capture. Our team of dedicated engineers works in partnership with customers to optimize performance and drive down total cost of ownership throughout the project lifecycle.

For more information download our Green Hydrogen application note.