Written by Omara Aziz
In the shift towards a greener future, we're seeing a surge in innovative products supporting green hydrogen. These include high efficiency electrolyzers, advanced power electronics for energy management, and fuel cell systems for converting hydrogen into electricity, notably in transportation and energy storage. The global hydrogen market, which stood at USD 1.14 Billion in 2021, is projected to soar to USD 15.1 Billion by the year 2026.
In this article, we will explore into the intricacies of green hydrogen production with power electronics, exploring the latest advancements, the benefits it offers, and the potential impact on various industries. Join us as we explore this exciting technological frontier and unlock the vast potential of green hydrogen as a cornerstone of our sustainable energy future.
The Variations in Hydrogen Colors: Understanding Grey, Blue, and Green
Hydrogen, often referred to as the fuel of the future, comes in different colors depending on the production process and associated environmental impact. Let's explore the characteristics of grey, blue, and green hydrogen, shedding light on their production methods and environmental implications.
Grey Hydrogen:
Grey hydrogen, the most produced form, is derived from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming (SMR). Unfortunately, this method generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. While it remains widely used, it is also considered the least environmentally friendly due to its carbon emissions.
Blue Hydrogen:
Blue hydrogen, produced through the same steam methane reforming process, integrates carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This involves capturing the CO₂ emissions and either storing them underground or utilizing them in other industrial processes, thereby reducing overall emissions. Blue hydrogen aims to mitigate the carbon footprint associated with hydrogen production. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of CCS and the potential for leakage are still actively researched and debated.
Green Hydrogen:
Hydrogen, a gas widely used in industry and transportation, has traditionally been produced from fossil fuels, resulting in significant CO2 emissions. The production process emits approximately 10 kilograms of CO2 for every kilogram of hydrogen produced. However, there is a growing demand for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option – green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, or hydropower, through a process called electrolysis. By applying electricity to water (H2O), electrolysis separates it into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2), resulting in zero direct emissions. Very high direct currents (DC) are required in the electrolysis process. The alternating current (AC) supplied by the power grid must therefore first be converted into DC for the rectification process. High-power semiconductor devices are needed for the AC/DC Conversion. When the input power to the electrolysis process is generated from solar panels, the DC inputs from photovoltaic or energy storage systems must also be converted to appropriate DC voltage levels.
As the world strives to transition towards a low-carbon future, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to rise steadily. Ongoing advancements and efforts to reduce costs are unlocking the immense potential of green hydrogen as a clean energy solution for various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy storage.
Despite its advantages, electrolysis-based green hydrogen production currently accounts for only 5% of hydrogen production worldwide. The majority, over 70%, is still obtained from natural gas, perpetuating CO2 emissions. This highlights the urgent need to accelerate the adoption of electrolysis and renewable energy sources in hydrogen production to scale up green hydrogen and drive the decarbonization of various industries.
Hydrogen Production Block Diagram
Summarizing, with ongoing advancements and efforts to reduce costs, green hydrogen holds immense potential as a clean energy solution for various sectors. The increasing focus on decarbonization and renewable energy is likely to drive the accelerated adoption of green hydrogen in the coming years, leading to its widespread integration and further cost reductions.