You may have seen my last vlog about Natural Gas vs. Hydrogen… well here I am today to discuss hydrogen again, but instead, the different types of hydrogen and why it’s important. 

Hydrogen’s potential as a solution to our energy challenges is well known by its ability to generate clean electricity without harmful emissions.

However, not all hydrogen is created equal, and understanding the different types of hydrogen is crucial to unlocking its full potential. 

One variant capturing growing attention is green hydrogen, generated through renewable resources like solar, wind, or hydropower. The advantage of green hydrogen lies in its emission-free production process, aligning it with the concept of sustainable energy. Though currently costlier to produce than other forms, the excitement of this eco-friendly energy source propels efforts to drive down costs and increase its adoption.

Next up, you have blue hydrogen coming from fossil fuels like natural gas, coal, or oil. However, to mitigate the environmental impact of this production method, the carbon dioxide emissions are captured and stored underground, a process known as carbon capture and storage (CCS). Blue hydrogen offers a cleaner alternative to grey hydrogen, the most commonly produced type of hydrogen worldwide, which does not include CCS and, therefore, contributes to GHG emissions.

Taking the time to recognize the different types of hydrogen and their impact is crucial to developing a sustainable energy future. While grey hydrogen remains economically elite, the development and adoption of green and blue hydrogen technologies will be vital in combating carbon emissions and improving climate change. As we move towards a more sustainable future, the classification of hydrogen will play a critical role in determining whether or not burning hydrogen as fuel can truly reduce CO2 emissions.

For more about the different types of hydrogen, check out this month’s video blog!