As the world’s focus on mitigating global warming intensifies, hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative for decarbonization, particularly in the transport sector. The United Kingdom’s net-zero transition goal by 2050 cannot be achieved without a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport, including heavy-duty vehicles, aviation, and shipping. In this article, we explain what hydrogen is and how it can support the UK’s transition.
How does producing energy from hydrogen work?
Producing energy from hydrogen is a key element in the journey towards achieving a net-zero carbon economy and combating climate change. As outlined in the roadmap published by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the advice of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), hydrogen will play a crucial role in decarbonizing various sectors of the economy.
Hydrogen production can be achieved through different methods, with an aim to ensure low-carbon or even zero-carbon outcomes. One method involves using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. Electrolytic hydrogen production involves splitting water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity. This process produces clean hydrogen that has no direct carbon emissions.
Another approach to low-carbon hydrogen production involves the utilization of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This method, known as blue hydrogen, involves producing hydrogen from natural gas while capturing and safely storing the resulting carbon dioxide emissions. Although blue hydrogen is not completely carbon-free, the captured emissions can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fossil fuel-based hydrogen production.
The UK government recognizes the importance of hydrogen in the transition to a zero-carbon energy system and has taken significant steps to support its deployment. The net zero hydrogen fund (NZHF) was established to provide financial support and investment opportunities for low-carbon hydrogen projects. With an initial commitment of £18 million, the NZHF aims to accelerate the development and commercial deployment of low-carbon hydrogen technologies across the country.
UK’s zero carbon ambitions
The UK has set an ambitious goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, spearheading the global fight against climate change. This commitment to a zero-carbon future is outlined in the government’s roadmap, as advised by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Climate Change Committee (CCC).
The government’s roadmap emphasizes the need to decarbonize the energy system and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. It promotes the development and deployment of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and tidal power. By expanding the renewable energy capacity, the UK aims to generate clean electricity and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy.
The UK’s zero-carbon ambitions extend beyond energy production. They encompass decarbonizing industrial processes, reducing carbon emissions from transportation, and creating a sustainable and circular economy. The transition to zero carbon presents an opportunity to create new jobs, stimulate economic growth, and ensure long-term energy security.
The challenges of hydrogen economy
The hydrogen economy holds great promise as a pathway to a sustainable and low-carbon future. It offers the potential to decarbonize various sectors, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. However, realizing the full potential of the hydrogen economy is not without its challenges. Several key hurdles must be overcome to ensure a successful and widespread adoption of hydrogen as an energy carrier.
One of the primary challenges is the production of low-carbon hydrogen. Currently, the majority of hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuels, which results in significant carbon emissions. To transition to a truly sustainable hydrogen economy, the production of low-carbon hydrogen is essential. This involves developing cost-effective and scalable technologies for producing hydrogen from renewable sources, such as electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. Achieving large-scale, affordable, and low-carbon hydrogen production is crucial for its widespread use across various sectors.
Another challenge lies in the storage and distribution of hydrogen. Hydrogen has a low energy density, which means it requires large storage volumes or high-pressure containment to be used effectively as an energy carrier. Additionally, hydrogen molecules have a tendency to escape through materials, necessitating careful considerations for safe and efficient storage and transport. Developing cost-effective and efficient storage and distribution infrastructure is crucial to enable the widespread adoption of hydrogen in energy systems and transportation networks.
The integration of hydrogen into existing energy systems poses another challenge. The current energy infrastructure is primarily designed around fossil fuels, and incorporating hydrogen as an energy carrier requires significant modifications and investments. Adapting existing pipelines, power generation facilities, and transportation systems to accommodate hydrogen requires careful planning and coordination. Moreover, ensuring the compatibility of hydrogen with existing technologies and appliances, such as fuel cells or hydrogen-powered vehicles, is essential for a smooth transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
Overview of the UK’s developments in using hydrogen
The United Kingdom has been making significant strides in utilizing hydrogen as part of its efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions and combat climate change. The government, through the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and in alignment with the recommendations of the Climate Change Committee (CCC), has developed a comprehensive roadmap and established the Net Zero Hydrogen Fund to support the transition to a hydrogen-based economy.
With a commitment to reach net zero by 2050, the UK aims to decarbonize various sectors, including transportation, industry, and power generation. Hydrogen, particularly low-carbon hydrogen, plays a crucial role in achieving this ambition. The government’s roadmap outlines key elements for the development of a hydrogen economy and sets targets for the deployment of low carbon hydrogen by 2030 and hydrogen production of 5 GW by 2035.
The Net Zero Hydrogen Fund, with an initial investment of £18 million, seeks to support projects that demonstrate the potential of clean hydrogen, including carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. The fund aims to unlock investment opportunities, accelerate the deployment of hydrogen technologies, and ensure the development of a secure and reliable energy system.
One of the notable regions in the UK’s hydrogen developments is the Humber region, which is home to the H2H Saltend project. This project showcases the UK’s position as a leader in low-carbon hydrogen production and its commitment to utilizing hydrogen across the wider energy sector. It envisages the establishment of a hydrogen production plant, utilizing electrolytic hydrogen produced from renewable power sources, such as offshore wind. The H2H Saltend project highlights the importance of collaboration between industry, government, and key stakeholders to decarbonize industrial processes and reduce carbon emissions.
The UK government’s approach to hydrogen deployment focuses on creating clusters of hydrogen production and usage. These clusters provide an opportunity to consolidate resources, share infrastructure, and optimize the value chain for hydrogen. The development of hydrogen clusters in the UK, such as the Humber region, holds significant potential for export and utilization across industrial users, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the overall decarbonization of the country’s energy system.
Alternatives to hydrogen
While hydrogen has gained significant attention as a potential clean energy carrier, it is essential to explore and develop a range of alternatives to create a diversified and robust clean energy landscape. By diversifying the options, we can maximize the potential for decarbonization across various sectors and mitigate the challenges associated with a singular reliance on hydrogen.
One promising alternative to hydrogen is electrification. Electrifying various sectors, such as transportation, heating, and industrial processes, can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This involves transitioning from fossil fuel-powered technologies to electric vehicles, electric heating systems, and electrically powered industrial equipment. With the increasing availability of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, electrification provides a direct and efficient pathway to decarbonization.
Another alternative is the use of advanced biofuels. Biofuels derived from sustainable feedstocks offer a renewable and low-carbon option for transportation fuels. These fuels can be produced from organic materials such as agricultural residues, dedicated energy crops, or algae. Advanced biofuels, such as cellulosic ethanol or biodiesel, have the potential to replace fossil fuel-based transportation fuels while reducing carbon emissions.
Furthermore, energy storage technologies play a crucial role in enabling the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid and balancing supply and demand fluctuations. Battery energy storage systems (BESS) have experienced significant advancements in recent years, offering efficient and scalable solutions for storing electricity generated from renewable sources. BESS can provide short-term storage to balance intermittent renewable generation and support grid stability.