Green hydrogen is hydrogen produced by renewable energy or low-carbon energy.
Green hydrogen has significantly lower carbon emissions than gray hydrogen produced by steam reforming of natural gas, which makes up the bulk of the hydrogen market.
Green hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water is less than 0.1% of the total hydrogen production.
What does green hydrogen do?
It can be used to decarbonize sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steel and cement production, thereby helping to limit climate change.
The high cost of production is the main factor behind the low use of green hydrogen. In 2020, major European companies announced plans to switch their truck fleets to hydrogen energy.
Then a start-up in Germany; Enapter company has contributed to 100 projects in 33 different countries with its “ion exchange layer electrolyzer” (device that separates chemical compounds dissolved in liquid) system it has developed. This technology uses the electricity obtained from renewable sources to convert it into hydrogen fuel, which is also environmentally friendly, and significantly reduces the high production cost.
This system performs electricity-hydrogen conversion much faster than conventional ones. Enapter’s AEM electrolyzers use about 2.4 liters of water to convert it to hydrogen. This amount of hydrogen can meet the energy needs of a house for days. It is already used in different areas such as refueling cars and airplanes, industrial systems and home heating.
Well, we as individuals; While big companies are solving big problems with their technological inventions, would we consider spending 1% or 2% more on our bread to make sure it is carbon neutral?
There is much we can do as individuals to help. We may choose to purchase products made with green hydrogen welding, which will add less than 1% to the cost of many products.
The use of green hydrogen energy sources greatly reduces our carbon footprint.
Many people make the mistake of thinking that energy policy is only about government, systems and large corporations. Of course, it is partially. It’s up to governments to set the rules, it’s up to companies to create the products. Only by the choices we make as consumers can we direct their business.
Producers increase production in line with the choices made by consumers, and acting with this awareness will greatly benefit both ourselves and humanity.
