The future of hydrogen fuels – a potential game changer
At a glance
The world is heading towards a low carbon economy, with the decarbonization of fossil fuels becoming increasingly more important. Climate change and the need to decarbonize influence businesses, governments and overall society to embrace new technologies coupled with alternative green, renewable energy sources.
We recently welcomed Jim Volk, Future Fuels Specialist, who shared his insight into the future of hydrogen fuel.
Why is hydrogen potentially the future of fuels?
Hydrogen, specifically green hydrogen, could become a significant game-changer for future fuels. Nearly all hydrogen currently comes from fossil fuels, with a majority produced from natural gas. If we can produce hydrogen via electrolysis from renewable electricity sources, it represents a unique "green" and beneficial way to help decarbonize. If the CO² emitted from conventional hydrogen production is captured, purified and sold as a useful commodity, or stored deep underground, it creates another pathway toward decarbonization.
Hydrogen - often referred to as an "energy carrier" - once produced, can be stored as a cryogenic liquid or compressed gas and transported, stored and used in place of traditional fossil fuels in a significant number of industries, transportation and commercial and residential applications.
There is no single energy pathway that solves the challenge of decarbonization. However, hydrogen could become a top contender, dare I say a potential game changer.”
What are the current green hydrogen applications?
The number of markets and industries that can benefit from green hydrogen is tremendous. When used in conjunction with a fuel cell, hydrogen can produce zero-emission power for transportation, including material handling (fork trucks), cars, busses, light and heavy-duty trucks, marine, rail and stationary power applications. It can also be blended into existing natural gas pipelines and support a zero-carbon feedstock for chemical and manufacturing industries.
For example, today, there are over 3 million miles of natural gas pipelines across North America and the network is growing daily. As we have seen in our other work in Australia and Europe, it is possible to blend up to 30 percent or more hydrogen in the natural gas networks and replace gas used in industrial uses and building heating. This offers a significant opportunity to adapt the widespread natural gas network to deliver cleaner energy.
Another example is the growing transportation market with over 9000 hydrogen-based fuel cell vehicles in California alone. Densely populated cities with health issues related to smog can significantly benefit from the adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
California is currently leading green transportation in the US, declaring 100 percent of new passenger cars to be zero emissions by 2035. A popular saying is, "As California goes, so does the nation."
What are some challenges preventing this from happening today?
When I think about the challenges now and look back fifteen years ago, I would never have imagined we would be where we are today. Hydrogen as an alternative energy source has made great strides through advanced research, production and end-use technology.
The main challenge for the transportation market is building the much needed fueling infrastructure and doing so quickly. Costs for fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen dispensing equipment are still high but continue to improve year-over-year. For all other potential markets, green hydrogen production costs need to improve to compete with traditional production methods. However, renewable energy costs (solar and wind) have already fallen over 50 percent and electrolyzer costs continue to drop significantly.
What is the way forward to lead adoption and change?
Many oil and gas companies, other companies and governments at all levels have pronounced net-zero goals in the next few decades. Early adopters of new technologies and those committed to a net-zero economy are already making the change to hydrogen. For these trends to transform into reality and become commonplace, we need to continue helping clients find decarbonization solutions, reduce production costs, enable faster technology development through R&D funding and increased public/private partnerships.
Many oil and gas companies, other companies and governments at all levels have pronounced net-zero goals in the next few decades. Early adopters of new technologies and those committed to a net-zero economy are already making the change to hydrogen. For these trends to transform into reality and become commonplace, we need to continue helping clients find decarbonization solutions, reduce production costs, enable faster technology development through R&D funding and increased public/private partnerships.
What are your hopes for GHD within the Future Energy industry?
I'm excited about it! I see GHD as a growing global leader in future energy and future fuels, helping clients understand their options around renewables, decarbonization and alternative fuels, developing and implementing a clear pathway towards achieving their objectives. I feel a personal pride and commitment towards the future of energy and doing my part to help ensure that it's safe, efficient, affordable, and improves overall global health and the environment for generations to come.