What is Hydrogen energy?

Hydrogen is a clean alternative energy source to natural gas. It can be produced from sources such as natural gas, nuclear power, and renewable sources like wind and solar energy.

Why is it Important for Clean Energy?

Historically, natural gas has been used to power and heat our homes and businesses. However, when methane is burned, it releases carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. Hydrogen, when burned, does not release carbon dioxide, making it a cleaner alternative.

Hydrogen is currently being used in various industrial processes, as rocket fuel, and in fuel cells for electricity generation, heating, and powering vehicles. Operators of several natural gas-fired power plants are also exploring hydrogen to replace natural gas. Hydrogen can also effectively store energy for electric power generation.

Understanding the Process

Hydrogen can be produced through several methods, including natural gas reforming and electrolysis.

Thermal Process

This involves a high-temperature process where steam reacts with hydrocarbon fuels, including natural gas, diesel, renewable liquid fuels, gasified coal, or gasified biomass, to produce hydrogen.

Electrolytic Process

Water is separated into oxygen and hydrogen by placing it in an electrolyser - a fuel cell in reverse.

Solar-Driven Process

Different types of solar-driven processes use light to produce hydrogen.

Biological Processes

This uses microbes such as bacteria and microalgae to break down matter and produce hydrogen.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantages of using hydrogen as a fuel source include its renewable and readily available nature, as well as its lack of carbon dioxide emissions, making it a 'clean' and flexible energy source that is more efficient than fossil fuels.

However, the disadvantages include the fact that it cannot be extracted on its own; the process involves extracting it from water, meaning there is a cost to the raw materials. Additionally, there is a significant cost associated with producing a unit of power.