In the future, meeting growing energy demand will require all viable sources, with the most valuable options being those that are abundant, affordable, efficient and sustainable. Hydrogen – specifically green hydrogen – is attracting significant investment and research and development efforts that could finally unlock its full potential for the energy transition.
Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is not a primary energy source, but is produced from other energy sources like conventional fuels, water or biomass. Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity (electrolysis), is sustainable because it uses renewable energy. The process releases no CO2, and the only byproduct is water.
Hydrogen has long been used in space exploration and as a feedstock in industries like chemicals. It also has a long history in the automotive industry, including the first hydrogen-powered internal combustion engine, the first hydrogen car and the first hydrogen fuel cells dating back to the 1800s.