Hydrogen

Energy for concerned consumers

Hydrogen

Hydrogen makes up 90% of the universe. On Earth, it is mainly found in compounds, such as water or hydrocarbons (petroleum, natural gas, etc).

It is estimated that hydrogen will be the energy carrier of the future, where it will be used in stationary or transport applications. The advantage of hydrogen is that when it is “burned”, it does not pollute the atmosphere, as it produces only electricity, heat and water.

In the future, the largest percentage of hydrogen will be produced by the electrolysis of water, a process by which water is broken down using an electric current into hydrogen and oxygen. Therefore, since it will be produced from water and water will be given off when it is used, hydrogen is considered practically inexhaustible.

The electricity needed for producing hydrogen from water, ideally could come from renewable energy sources (primarily wind and solar), so that it is entirely environment friendly.

Specifically, electricity produced by a wind turbine or a photovoltaic module will supply an electrolyser which breaks down water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen will then be stored in suitable storage tanks to be used when needed.

Hydrogen can be used in suitably modified boilers and internal combustion engines. However, the ideal energy application is in fuel cells, a new technology which allows electricity to be produced from the joining of hydrogen and oxygen in the air. Fuel cells could be used in homes for producing electricity and heat or as fuel for vehicles. It will take some years, however, for them to become cheaper and their efficiency to improve before we see them in our own homes and cars.