Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the universe, is finally stepping out to take the spotlight. As the world seeks alternatives to fossil fuels, green hydrogen is poised to play a vital role. Standing as a beacon of hope, H2 represents a sustainable solution capable of powering industries and decarbonizing sectors once thought impossible to transform. The story of green hydrogen is one of discovery, innovation, and significant evolution. Emerging as a revolutionary energy solution, green hydrogen holds immense promise in reshaping our energy landscape and driving sustainable progress.
Philip van Hohenheim first recorded the observation of hydrogen somewhere around 1520. While he didn’t recognize it as a new element, Hohenheim initially produced hydrogen gas by mixing strong acids with metals (i.e., iron, zinc, etc.). It wasn’t until 1766, however, that hydrogen was recognized as the distinct element it is. Henry Cavendish was the first to put its properties to paper, dubbing it “inflammable air”. And, in 1783, hydrogen finally received its name by Antoine Lavoisier. Hydrogen, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, derives its names from the Greek words ‘hydro,’ meaning water, and ‘genes,’ meaning creator or producer, symbolizing its unique ability to form water when it burns.
Nowadays, hydrogen holds a unique position in the periodic table. Its simplicity and abundance have fascinated scientists for centuries. Initially viewed as a scientific curiosity, hydrogen's potential as an energy source began to gain attention in the 20th century. Early methods of hydrogen production primarily relied on processes like steam methane reforming, which laid the groundwork for its industrial applications. However, it wasn’t until hydrogen was explored for various applications, that its sheer versatility was fully evident. In fact, its ability to release energy efficiently made hydrogen an ideal candidate to store and generate energy long before the concept of "green hydrogen" even emerged.
Today, advances in electrolysis are driving hydrogen production into a sustainable future. Interestingly, these advancements can trace their roots to innovative uses like oxygen generation systems for submarines. First introduced over 60 years ago, these systems leveraged Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolysis to efficiently split water into hydrogen and oxygen in confined spaces. This pioneering application not only showcased the practicality of PEM electrolysis but also laid the foundation for its evolution into a cornerstone technology in renewable hydrogen production today.
This method involves reacting methane with steam to produce hydrogen, but it comes at a cost. As a byproduct, a significant amount of CO2 emissions are released, contributing heavily to the carbon footprint of these industries. Advancements in renewable energy sources, however, are driving a new era of innovation, positioning green hydrogen as an indispensable solution for decarbonizing the backbone industries of our modern economy.
Green hydrogen presents a compelling alternative to the carbon-intensive processes historically driven by grey hydrogen, which is produced using fossil fuels. Take ammonia synthesis, for example – a cornerstone of agriculture and chemical industries. Green hydrogen revolutionizes this process, effectively eliminating the emissions traditionally tied to ammonia production. In other words, the transition to sustainable energy is no longer theoretical. This ongoing shift enables leading industrial players worldwide to integrate green hydrogen into their operations. Driven not only by stringent environmental regulations, but also by ambitious sustainability goals.
The turn of the millennium marked another pivotal shift in the global approach to energy. As the reality of climate change took effect, governments and industries around the world rallied to address the urgent need for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This collective awakening spurred significant investments in low-carbon technologies, setting the stage for green hydrogen to emerge as a cornerstone of a sustainable economy.
Key players, such as the European Union, Japan, and Australia, led the charge to champion green hydrogen through ambitious strategies and funding initiatives. Pilot projects, research and development programs, and early-stage market incentives became the backbone of this progress. Policies like subsidies for renewable energy, carbon pricing mechanisms, and emissions reduction regulations created an ecosystem where green hydrogen could not only survive but thrive.
These global efforts did more than encourage innovation, they established a financial and regulatory framework that has brought green hydrogen into a more mainstream space. By aligning public and private sectors, the push for a green economy positions green hydrogen as a transformative force to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.
We have explored how green hydrogen has evolved from scientific curiosity to a transformative energy solution, propelling us closer to a decarbonized future. By revolutionizing hard-to-abate industries, and integrating with renewable energy, hydrogen has cemented its role as a cornerstone of sustainable progress. As adoption accelerates, it promises to reshape global energy systems, and support the transition to a greener, more resilient world.
At Bekaert, we are proud to contribute to the green hydrogen revolution, through our innovative porous transport layer (PTL) technology. Our PTLs are designed to enhance the efficiency and reliability of electrolyzers. With over 20 years of expertise in the hydrogen market, we are committed to powering the clean energy transition. Ready to join the journey? Fill out our contact form and discover how our solutions are supporting green hydrogen goals.
