Green Hydrogen Uses: Transforming Industry, Transport, and More

Green Hydrogen in Industry

The production of green hydrogen is done through electrolysis, a process that splits water into two particles: hydrogen and oxygen. Since this process does not involve fossil fuels, it creates hydrogen without releasing harmful carbon gases. Because of this, green hydrogen uses are growing in industries that need a lot of energy, such as steelmaking and chemical manufacturing.

In the steel industry, green hydrogen can replace coal in high-temperature processes. In chemical plants, it works both as a clean fuel and a raw material. Oil refineries also use it to remove unwanted elements from fuels in a cleaner way. These examples are proof that green hydrogen uses are helping to improve old systems.

Benefits of Reducing Carbon Emissions

Green hydrogen use has many benefits in heavy industry, especially in reducing pollution. Some significant advantages are:

• Replaces carbon-heavy fuels like coal and natural gas with a zero-emission alternative.
• Cuts emissions in difficult-to-decarbonise sectors, such as steel and chemical production.
• Lowers the carbon footprint of large-scale manufacturing processes.
• Helps industries meet strict climate laws and emission limits.
• Reduces greenhouse gases that are the major cause of global warming and extreme weather.

Studies show that keeping global warming under 2℃ could prevent 4.5 million early deaths, 1.4 million hospital visits, and 300 million lost workdays by the end of the century^[2]. Green hydrogen plays a very important role in achieving that goal.

Green Hydrogen in Transport

Transport is considered to be one of the largest sources of carbon emissions. Using hydrogen powered transportation provides a cleaner alternative across many modes of transport.

Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs)

Hydrogen fuel cell cars provide faster refueling and longer range than battery vehicles. They perform well in cold weather and suit drivers with long commutes. For heavy-duty transport like buses, trucks, and trains, hydrogen and cars using fuel cells are perfect for long distances and heavy loads.

Shipping

Hydrogen-based fuels like ammonia and methanol are also being tested on ships. A case study on Ro-Ro and Ro-Pax ships, which carry wheeled cargo like trucks and cars, shows that hydrogen can be used in engines or fuel cells^[3].

This could reduce emissions during sailing and hoteling at ports with hydrogen in vehicles, helping meet strict environmental rules, one of the upcoming best green hydrogen uses.

Aviation

There is a possibility that in the upcoming years, hydrogen might fuel planes through direct burning or fuel cells. Though still in early testing, it promises cleaner air travel, especially on short routes, which is said to be one of the best green hydrogen uses.