Green hydrogen and renewable natural gas (RNG) both offer alternatives to fossil fuels, but they serve different roles and have distinct applications. Here are some potential applications of green hydrogen that renewable natural gas cannot fulfill:
Industrial Decarbonization
- Chemical Production: Green hydrogen is crucial for producing ammonia and organic chemicals, which require hydrogen as a feedstock. This role is harder to fulfill with RNG, which is more akin to traditional natural gas in its applications.
- Steel and Cement Production: Green hydrogen can provide the high-temperature processing needed in industries like steel and cement, where it acts as a clean energy carrier and a low-carbon catalyst.
Transportation
- Aviation and Shipping: Green hydrogen can be converted into hydrogen-derived synthetic fuels like methanol or ammonia, making it suitable for difficult-to-electrify transportation sectors such as aviation and shipping. RNG does not offer the same level of versatility for these sectors.
Energy Storage
- Long-Duration Energy Storage: Green hydrogen offers superior long-duration energy storage capabilities due to its ability to be stored for extended periods without significant degradation, unlike batteries. This is beneficial for seasonal energy storage needs.
Mobility in Heavy Vehicles
- Hydrogen Fuel Cells for Heavy Duty Vehicles: While RNG can power traditional internal combustion engines or fuel cells in vehicles, green hydrogen is specifically suited for hydrogen fuel cell technology, which provides better energy density for heavy-duty transportation like lorries and buses.
In summary, green hydrogen’s ability to be used in high-temperature industrial processes, as a direct energy carrier in transportation, and for long-duration energy storage makes it particularly valuable in these areas compared to renewable natural gas.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/what-are-the-potential-applications-of-green-hydrogen-that-renewable-natural-gas-cannot-fulfill/
