Green hydrogen, often simply referred to as “green H2,” is a type of hydrogen produced through a process that uses renewable energy sources, primarily wind and solar power, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen via a process called electrolysis. Unlike hydrogen produced from fossil fuels (gray hydrogen) or natural gas with carbon capture and storage (blue hydrogen), green hydrogen production generates no direct greenhouse gas emissions, making it a vital component of efforts to decarbonize various sectors of the economy.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) published a report on Green Hydrogen in 2021, emphasizing the following key points:
In summary, green hydrogen holds great promise as a clean energy carrier and a key enabler of the transition to a low-carbon economy. Its ability to store renewable energy and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors makes it a valuable tool in addressing climate change and achieving energy sustainability goals. Continued research, development, and investment in green hydrogen technologies are essential to unlock its full potential.