In Spain, and globally, green hydrogen has emerged as a key player in the fight against climate change and global warming. The Spanish government's initiative, Perte ERHA, aims to foster innovation and development in renewable hydrogen technologies, contributing to the energy transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Advanced analytics models play a crucial role in optimizing the production, distribution, and storage processes of green hydrogen, enhancing efficiency and encouraging broader adoption of this sustainable energy source. However, it's essential to prioritize applications where green hydrogen is appropriate and cost-effective, as well as those where it isn't. A significant challenge for green hydrogen adoption is generating enough demand, ensuring end consumers are willing to use and consume green hydrogen in their daily activities.
Under the leadership of Sedigas, a coalition of 20 companies, including energy giants like Repsol, Iberdrola, Naturgy, Enagás, Eni, Redexis, and BP, is committed to building infrastructure for the storage and distribution of green hydrogen, promoting cleaner and more sustainable energy.
Despite Spain's projected significant increase in hydrogen investments by 2050, with a growth of 96%, not all hydrogen uses will be viable and environmentally sustainable. Hydrogen produced through Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology is not environmentally sustainable. Even with carbon extraction, the process remains ecologically unviable, relying on fossil fuels, raising long-term environmental and sustainability concerns.
Various types of hydrogen are classified based on their production methods:
Green: Produced with electricity from renewable sources, emitting no CO2.
Yellow: A type of green hydrogen made with solar energy.
Grey: Made from natural gas without capturing CO2, causing emissions.
Blue: Similar to grey but captures CO2, less polluting.
Black: Produced using fossil fuels, emits pollutants.
Brown: Like grey, but with brown coal instead of natural gas.
Turquoise: Between blue and green, low emissions in the process.
White: Found in nature, extracted via fracking.
Pink: Produced using nuclear energy in the electrolysis process.
This variety reflects technological advancements and innovation in hydrogen production. However, focusing on the most sustainable and environmentally friendly forms, like green and yellow hydrogen, is crucial, as they use renewable energy sources and emit no greenhouse gases.
To boost the demand growth for hydrogen, ongoing projects involve hydrogen-powered cargo vehicles and trains, and industrial facilities. The industrial sector might hold the most potential, currently meeting a considerable demand with grey hydrogen. Self-sufficiency levels in industries like refining, petrochemical, or fertilizer production will be crucial.
Currently, green hydrogen hasn't reached a competitive price level compared to fossil fuels. Although the technology for producing green hydrogen, such as water electrolysis using renewable energy, has significantly advanced, production costs remain relatively high due to factors like the substantial electrical energy needed for electrolysis, the efficiency of the equipment, and the investment in specific storage and transportation infrastructures.
In summary, green hydrogen offers a promising avenue for the energy transition and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, focusing on suitable and profitable applications is crucial to encourage its adoption and growth. Advanced analytics models can play a key role in optimizing the production, distribution, and storage of green hydrogen, thereby improving efficiency and fostering broader adoption across various sectors.