Decarbonizing Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Green hydrogen (produced via water electrolysis using renewable energy) is essential for reducing emissions in industries such as steel, chemicals, aviation, and shipping, which rely on high-temperature processes or energy-dense fuels that cannot easily transition to electricity. For example, hydrogen can replace coking coal in steel production and serve as a feedstock for ammonia synthesis or synthetic fuels for aviation.
Carbon Abatement Potential
Hydrogen could abate 80 gigatons of CO₂ cumulatively by 2050, equivalent to ~11% of the total emissions reduction needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C. By 2050, annual abatement could reach 7 gigatons, covering ~20% of required emissions cuts. This hinges on scaling clean hydrogen production to 660 million metric tons annually, up from 90 million today.
Enabling Renewable Energy Integration
Hydrogen acts as a flexible energy carrier, storing surplus renewable energy (e.g., excess solar or wind) and stabilizing grids. It can also transport renewable energy over long distances via pipelines or as ammonia, bridging regions with abundant renewables and energy-demand centers.
Challenges and Solutions
- Grid Reliance Risks: Many projects rely on grids powered by fossil fuels during renewable downtime, raising hydrogen’s carbon intensity. Strict standards (e.g., the EU’s 3.4 kgCO₂eq/kgH₂ limit) are critical to ensure low emissions.
- Technology Choices: Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, which align with intermittent renewables, are cleaner than alkaline models but costlier.
- Cost and Scale: Green hydrogen remains expensive today, but innovation and scaling could make it cost-competitive with fossil-based hydrogen by the 2030s.
Global Initiatives
Organizations like the IFC and World Bank are supporting green hydrogen projects in emerging markets, targeting over $10 billion in investments to accelerate deployment. Governments are also incentivizing production to meet targets, though most projects remain in early stages.
By addressing these challenges, green hydrogen can become a cornerstone of the net-zero transition, particularly in sectors where alternatives are limited.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-green-hydrogen-contribute-to-the-overall-goal-of-achieving-net-zero-emissions-by-2050/
