Energy and Transportation

Hydrogen plays a crucial role in the energy sector as a clean and efficient energy carrier. Unlike conventional fossil fuels, hydrogen produces zero carbon emissions when used directly, making it an attractive alternative for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and facilitating the transition to sustainable energy systems.

The transportation sector, particularly road transport, aviation, and maritime shipping, contributes significantly to global carbon emissions. As countries and industrial producers strive to meet climate targets, hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution for decarbonizing the sector, especially in areas where electrification is challenging.

Hydrogen in Energy Production

Hydrogen serves as a clean alternative to fossil fuels, playing a role in both electricity generation and energy storage.

Hydrogen for Electricity Generation

• Fuel Cells: Hydrogen can be utilized in fuel cells to generate electricity. In a fuel cell, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, with water vapor as the only byproduct. This process is highly efficient and generates no harmful emissions, making it a promising solution for clean energy.
• Hydrogen as a Combustion Fuel : Hydrogen can also be burned in turbines to produce electricity. This approach is similar to the combustion of natural gas but results in a cleaner outcome, as the only exhaust product is water vapor.

• Grid Balancing: Hydrogen can be used for long-term energy storage. Excess electricity generated from renewable sources (such as wind or solar) can be converted into hydrogen via electrolysis. This hydrogen can then be stored and used for electricity generation during peak demand periods or when renewable energy sources are unavailable, providing a solution to the intermittency of renewables.

Hydrogen has significant potential in various transportation sectors, particularly in heavy-duty transport, aviation, and maritime applications, where electrification remains challenging.

• Hydrogen-Powered Vehicles (Fuel Cell Vehicles - FCVs):H Hydrogen-powered cars utilize fuel cell technology to generate electricity from hydrogen. Popular models include the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, and Honda Clarity. These vehicles produce zero exhaust emissions and can be refueled within minutes, offering a viable alternative to battery electric vehicles (BEVs), which require longer charging times.
• Buses and Trucks: Hydrogen is particularly suitable for buses and heavy-duty trucks, as it offers longer driving ranges and shorter refueling times compared to battery-electric trucks. These vehicles are being adopted in urban transit systems and by logistics companies to reduce carbon emissions in high-traffic areas.

Hydrogen-powered aircraft are being explored as a means to decarbonize aviation. Hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen combustion engines can replace conventional jet fuel, providing a clean alternative for air travel. Companies such as ZeroAvia and Airbus are actively developing hydrogen-powered aircraft, with regional flights being among the first potential adopters of this technology.

The maritime industry, a significant contributor to CO₂ emissions, is investigating hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to heavy bunker fuel. Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells or internal combustion engines to power ships. It holds great potential for decarbonizing long-distance maritime transport and supporting global trade with lower emissions.