Making blue hydrogen

Over three-fourths of  hydrogen production is generated from natural gas, particularly methane, using a method known as steam reforming. The gas is heated with steam to produce a mixture of chemicals from which hydrogen is then filtered out. Although efficient, this technique raises concerns about carbon dioxide emissions during the process. More producers are turning to Carbon Capture, Utilization & Storage (CCUS) systems to contain CO₂ release, generating what is referred to as blue hydrogen.

Handling and shipping hydrogen energy is a barrier

The technology for producing green renewable hydrogen is already available and prices for renewable energy are becoming more competitive, but the handling of hydrogen comes with a raft of legal and technical limitations.

The chemical is highly explosive and its small particles make it more difficult to contain, making distribution of the gas less viable over long distances. Shipments may be liquefied, but the process of re-gasification brings new safety concerns.

Fulfilling the promise of hydrogen

The versatility of hydrogen technologies make it an excellent driver of the green economy. Converting to hydrogen power is relatively uncomplicated and it does not result in any major disruptions for commerce whether manufacturing, agriculture, construction or transportation.

With ambitious international targets to cut greenhouse gas emissions across industries and regions, the coming decades are developing into the era of hydrogen.