HYDROGEN EFFICIENCY: EXPLAINED

Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, and has been safely produced, transported and used for decades.

Today, clean hydrogen is emerging as a promising solution to contribute significantly to net zero emissions by 2050. One of clean hydrogen’s key advantages is its versatility for decarbonizing multiple sectors of the economy.

 

The Versatility of Hydrogen

Source: IRENA

Clean hydrogen can be produced from several feedstocks, including renewable energy, fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage (CCS), nuclear power, and biomass. Clean hydrogen’s flexibility continues in the ways it can be distributed and used across the economy. If sufficient scale is achieved, clean hydrogen and its derivatives can help decarbonize multiple sectors of the economy; from transportation and decarbonizing hard-to-abate industrial sectors to supporting a 100% clean electric grid and heating. Because of this supply chain versatility, clean hydrogen will play an essential role in meeting net zero goals.

 

High Energy Density and Diverse Applications

Hydrogen and its derivatives possess a high energy density by weight compared to many conventional transportation fuels, making it particularly effective in applications such as in freight (truck and rail), aviation, and maritime transport. This high energy density translates to longer ranges and quicker refueling times, offering a complementary solution to battery-powered mobility and other solutions.

For electric grids, clean hydrogen can serve as a long-duration energy storage solution. Hydrogen stores excess renewable energy during peak production periods (i.e., summer and shoulder months for solar) and can be used later when renewable production is low. Hydrogen and its derivatives, notably ammonia, can be co-fired at power plants, thereby providing a renewable fuel source when wind and solar resources are limited. This storage capability thus enhances the overall efficiency of electric grids that are becoming increasingly dependent on renewable power.

For certain hard-to-abate sectors, clean hydrogen and its derivatives are the only viable solutions for decarbonization available. Unabated hydrogen in use today for oil refining, ammonia production, and chemical production can switch to clean hydrogen and result in significant decarbonization gains for the agriculture, aviation and maritime sectors.

 

Advancements in Efficiency

While some question hydrogen’s efficiency today, the technological landscape is constantly evolving with new innovations and the potential for advancements in technology. For example the research and development underway to increase the efficiency of electrolyzers, as evidenced by the surge in patent filings related to electrolyzer technologies, will ultimately result in electrolytic hydrogen production from renewables and nuclear increasingly becoming more efficient.

Similarly, developments in fuel cell technology are enhancing the efficiency of converting hydrogen into electricity. As these technologies mature, the overall efficiency of hydrogen as an energy carrier is expected to improve significantly, reducing the gap with other energy sources.

 

The Bottom Line

While there are challenges to scale clean hydrogen and realize its decarbonization potential, stakeholders must assess the positive attributes it provides to a net-zero future. Its versatility, high energy density, and ability to integrate and enhance system-wide efficiency are why policymakers and industry are investing in clean hydrogen. Advancements in technology will improve efficiency and address concerns about leveraging clean hydrogen to decarbonize to help us reach our net-zero goals.

 

More resources on hydrogen efficiency: 

• Hydrogen Basics – Alternative Fuels Data Center – The Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) provides a wealth of information and data on alternative and renewable fuels, advanced vehicles, fuel-saving strategies, and emerging transportation technologies. This site features interactive tools, calculators, and mapping applications to aid in the implementation of these fuels, vehicles, and strategies.
• Hydrogen: IEA – Global Hydrogen Review from the International Energy Agency
• Hydrogen: IRENA – International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is a lead global intergovernmental agency for energy transformation