Here’s how green and blue hydrogen compare in emissions reduction:
Emissions Reduction
Green hydrogen achieves near-zero emissions (0 kgCO₂/kg H₂) by using renewable electricity to split water molecules via electrolysis. Blue hydrogen, produced from natural gas via steam methane reforming, captures ~75-90% of CO₂ emissions but still releases 3.5-4 kgCO₂/kg H₂ due to energy-intensive carbon capture processes and methane leaks during natural gas extraction.
Critical Findings
- Comparative impact: Blue hydrogen emissions are 9-12% lower than grey hydrogen (which emits 10 kgCO₂/kg H₂) but 20% worse than directly burning natural gas/coal for heat due to energy losses in hydrogen production and CO₂ capture.
: Green hydrogen’s reliance on renewables ensures minimal lifecycle emissions, while blue hydrogen’s dependency on fossil fuels perpetuates methane leaks and upstream emissions. - Scalability trade-off: Blue hydrogen bridges existing infrastructure gaps but risks locking in fossil fuel dependencies, whereas green hydrogen offers long-term decarbonization but requires massive renewable energy investments.
| Feature | Green Hydrogen | Blue Hydrogen |
|---|---|---|
| Emissions | 0 kgCO₂/kg H₂ | 3.5-4 kgCO₂/kg H₂ |
| Energy Source | Renewables | Natural gas + CCUS |
| Efficiency | Lower (electrolysis) | Higher (existing infrastructure) |
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-green-hydrogen-compare-to-blue-hydrogen-in-terms-of-emissions-reduction/
