As the world tackles the challenges of climate change and the urgent need to transition to sustainable energy sources, hydrogen has emerged as a promising candidate in the renewable energy market. With its abundance, versatility, and potential for zero-emission energy production, hydrogen is a promising contender for a clean energy source to power our NetZero future.
Different types of Hydrogen
There are different types of Hydrogen, coded by colours, with the three main types being Green, Grey and Blue Hydrogen. In the context of renewables, Green Hydrogen is the most environmentally friendly, as it produces no harmful emissions. Green Hydrogen has been growing in popularity since the 1970s, it’s main benefits being that it creates immersion-free fuel with the ability to power everything from transport, to homes, to industry.
It is acquired using an electrolyser, powered by renewable sources to separate hydrogen from water molecules, the only byproduct of the fuel source is water vapour, which is released when used. By replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen, these industries can significantly reduce their emissions.
Advantages & Challenges of Hydrogen
Energy storage is one of the significant advantages hydrogen provides to the sustainable market. One of the challenges renewable energy sources like wind and solar pose is their unreliability – they do not produce energy continuously or predictably.
Along with Battery Storage, hydrogen can help address this issue by acting as an energy carrier. Surplus electricity gathered when output is high can be used to produce hydrogen via electrolysis. This hydrogen can then be stored and converted back into electricity when needed, providing a reliable and flexible storage solution that can help maintain a steady supply of energy.
Despite its many advantages, the widespread adoption of hydrogen as a renewable energy source can face challenges. The current cost of producing green hydrogen is relatively high compared to conventional fuels and other renewable technologies. However, ongoing research and development are driving down costs, and as the tools progress, hydrogen is expected to become more economically competitive.
There are also challenges involved with building the necessary infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, and distribution, as it requires significant investment and coordinated efforts between governments, industry, and other stakeholders.
The Future of Hydrogen
With research showing the demand for hydrogen could increase to as much as 3.2 million by 2030, it is more important than ever that we know the benefits as a renewable source. Properly developed, it has the potential to transform the energy landscape. While challenges remain, continued innovation, investment, and collaboration can unlock hydrogen's full potential, helping to build a sustainable future.
ersg have placed workers for hydrogen projects around the globe and have invested in expanding our Hydrogen team to meet industry demands. For industry insights and your renewable energy recruitment needs, contact us or visit our live jobs.
