The lightest, simplest, and most abundant element in nature: Hydrogen. Hydrogen is the new ally for a decarbonizingfuture—an emerging and novel concept—a truly clean fuel, and a promising alternative for a greener society, also known as the “fuel of the future.” The prefix “green” indicates the generation of electricity without emitting greenhouse gas emissions. It is produced through different methods using renewable energy sources such as solar or wind and then subjected to a process called electrolysis that separates the hydrogen and oxygen.
Its ability to be stored and transported over long distances, particularly from regions with abundant sources of energy to energy-hungry regions, sets it apart from all other energy sources. It finds applications across multiple industries, including power generation, steel manufacturing, cement production, and heavy transport, including shipping.
However, the fuel of the future comes with a heavy cost. The current cost of producing green hydrogen is considerably higher than that of fossil fuels, primarily because most green hydrogen projects are still in the early stages.
Nevertheless, the United Nations is developing different strategies and financing mechanisms to promote green hydrogen. At the United Nations (UN) conference Cop 26, hydrogen has been recognized and acknowledged by both governments and industries as a means to decarbonize heavy industries, shipping, long-haul freight, and aviation.
In the journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future hydrogen is undeniably a beacon of hope, offering unparalleled potential to reshape the energy landscape and reduce our carbon footprint. With investments and innovations on the rise, it’s only a matter of time before the promise of green hydrogen becomes a cost-effective reality.