Reducing dependence on fossil fuels and transitioning to greener alternatives is no longer optional. It is an imperative. Whether or not one accepts the full severity of climate change, the benefits of fossil fuel elimination extend well beyond greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction. Green hydrogen is a highly discussed pathway for a net-zero emissions future. Is the hype justified?
According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), green hydrogen could supply up to 12% of global energy by 2050. This is projected in decarbonisation scenarios. The IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review provides the most comprehensive annual update. It reports on hydrogen’s progress toward becoming a mainstream clean energy carrier.
How to Obtain Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but on Earth, pure hydrogen is scarce, it is almost always found in combination with other elements, such as oxygen in water. To obtain hydrogen, molecules must be split. There are two main methods:
- Steam reforming of methane (natural gas) — the dominant current method, but it generates CO₂ unless paired with carbon capture (producing “blue hydrogen”)
- Electrolysis: splitting water using electricity. When that electricity comes from renewables (solar, wind), the result is true green hydrogen with zero direct emissions
Once produced, hydrogen can be burned directly or used in a fuel cell, where it combines with oxygen to generate electricity and heat. The only byproduct is water. This makes hydrogen vehicles truly zero-emission at the tailpipe. In contrast, internal combustion engines emit CO₂, NOx, particulates, and carcinogens.
Why Hasn’t Green Hydrogen Taken Off?
- Producing hydrogen required energy, which historically came from fossil fuels, making it expensive and carbon-intensive
- Climate change was not on political agendas until recently, removing the driver for green hydrogen investment
- The existing fossil fuel infrastructure, built over decades at a cost of trillions of dollars, is vigorously defended by incumbents
- Replacing legacy power infrastructure with green hydrogen systems requires enormous capital and political will
- Public perception of hydrogen safety was damaged by the Hindenburg disaster of 1937, though modern safety concerns are largely overstated
- Lack of refuelling infrastructure remains a barrier to widespread hydrogen vehicle adoption
Green Hydrogen’s Genuine Advantages
One key advantage of hydrogen over batteries is energy density: compressed hydrogen requires less space and allows longer range and faster refuelling compared to electric vehicles. This makes hydrogen particularly attractive for heavy-duty transport, such as trucks, shipping, and aviation. It is also appealing for industrial processes where electrification is challenging.
The Path Forward
Germany has committed over €7 billion to a national hydrogen strategy. China aims to deploy one million hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by 2030. The EU’s European Clean Hydrogen Alliance is coordinating continent-wide investment. Advances in electrolysis technology are rapidly reducing the cost of green hydrogen production, making it increasingly competitive with fossil alternatives.
Electrification will lead the near-term decarbonisation charge. Green hydrogen has potential for hard-to-abate sectors. This positions it as a critical long-term component of a sustainable energy future.
Related reading: Sustainable Development Goals | Benefits of a Sustainable Business | Climate Change Facts & Solutions
External resources: IRENA Hydrogen | IEA Global Hydrogen Review
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