When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen (H2) produces only water vapor instead of harmful emissions. It is therefore an ideal building block in making our energy system more flexible and supports the merging of today’s power and gas markets. As a storage medium for renewable power, hydrogen is an ideal energy carrier within a sustainable energy cycle.
Hydrogen is set to play a key role in tackling climate change. Linde has been harnessing the power of hydrogen for over 100 years and has been intensely engaged in the use of hydrogen as an emission-free fuel for over 30 years. Moreover, we have systematically strengthened our position as the technology leader for other hydrogen applications, such as industry decarbonization and power buffering.
Why hydrogen? Green hydrogen is environmentally friendly and generates no carbon dioxide emissions.
Hydrogen gas produced by electrolysis only needs water and electricity and generates no carbon dioxide emissions from production. When hydrogen is then used in a fuel cell, for example to power a ferry, the only emissions is heat and clean water.
The different colors of hydrogen
Gray hydrogen
Gray hydrogen is produced from non-renewable sources. This can be, for example, gas reformation (conversion of natural gas) or through gasification of other fuels. The gas reform has a negative environmental effect in the reform itself of approx. 7 kg CO2e per Kg H₂ produced¹ and a total carbon dioxide footprint of 10-14kg CO₂e per Kg H₂.²
Blue hydrogen
Hydrogen produced from non-renewable sources, where CO₂ emissions are reduced through CO₂ capture and storage (CCS). With CCS, carbon emissions from gas reforming and gasification can be reduced by 50-95%.
Green hydrogen
Hydrogen production from renewable sources. This can be, for example, hydrogen produced by electrolysis with power from the sun, wind or water. The total carbon footprint will be less than 1 kg per kg H₂.³
Sources: (¹) Princeton University 1997, (²) f DNV GL Report No. 2009-0039 (³) DNV GL Report No. 2009-0039
