The advantages of green hydrogen

Globally, 196 nations have committed themselves to achieving the Paris Agreement Climate Goal, which calls for a maximum rise of 2°C in global temperature. In order to reach this elementary goal we have to reduce our fuel related greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen, which is produced from renewable energy, is a carbon-free and will play a critical role in curbing climate change. Hydrogen is the solution to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. Industries such as transport, construction, infrastructure, agriculture consume energy in quantities that exceed what batteries can provide.

Hydrogen (H₂) is an excellent energy carrier. It has a high energy content per unit weight. It therefore has a significantly higher energy storage capacity compared to batteries. And it does not contain any rare earth materials. Hydrogen can be stored for longer periods without significant degradation, whereas batteries experience capacity fade over time.

Hydrogen is also very versatile. It can be used in various applications. It can be burned to generate heat, be combusted in internal combustion engines to generate power, or feed fuel cells to generate electricity. Green hydrogen is especially useful in industries that are difficult to electrify, such as long-distance trucks, buses, and heavy-duty equipment. These are industries that will not be able to use battery-only solutions, due to the charging speed or weight of the batteries. Refueling hydrogen is faster than recharging batteries. It takes minutes to refuel a hydrogen-powered vehicle, while recharging batteries may take hours, especially for high-capacity applications. This advantage makes hydrogen more suitable for applications that require quick refueling or where downtime is not feasible.

Possible applications for green hydrogen

If you don't find your use case, it doesn't mean it's impossible.

Transport

The transportation industry is under pressure to rapidly decarbonize. Regulatory changes, as well as B2B and B2C customers’ demands for greener transportation value chains, are prompting the industry to adapt. For light and short-haul vehicles, batteries are suitable. However, the picture is quite different for long-haul trucking and heavy vehicles. Hydrogen combustion and hydrogen fuel cells will offer the solution. Green hydrogen can be used as an emission-free and sustainable fuel in trucks, cars, buses, trains, ships, and potentially even airplanes.

Operationally, hydrogen trucks can be deployed in a similar way as diesel trucks but with the benefit of producing no emissions. Hydrogen offers long-range capabilities, quick refueling times, and zero-emission operation, making it an ideal substitute for fossil fuels, resulting in decarbonization of the transportation sector and reducing greenhouse gases.

Heavy machinery and equipment

Industries that heavily rely on heavy machinery and equipment, such as construction, mining, and infrastructure development, can utilize green hydrogen to power their heavy machinery and equipment, replacing fossil fuel-powered engines. By using hydrogen fuel cells, construction vehicles can operate both carbon-free and nitrogen-free, reducing pollution on construction sites, improving air quality in the direct environment, and reducing nitrogen deposition in sensitive natural areas. When you use hydrogen, the only byproduct is water vapor.

Agriculture

In the agricultural sector, green hydrogen can be used to power farming machinery, including tractors, irrigation systems, and harvesters. By replacing traditional fossil fuel-powered equipment, hydrogen offers farmers a clean and emission-free substitute, reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact.

Off-grid applications

Green hydrogen can be utilized in gensets to provide reliable power generation in off-grid areas or as backup power during grid outages. Hydrogen-powered gensets offer a clean and efficient solution, producing electricity without greenhouse gas emissions. This application is particularly useful in remote locations, temporary power facilities on construction sites or large events, and critical infrastructure that require uninterrupted power supply while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

Are you ready to make the transition to green hydrogen to power your operations? We will supply green hydrogen wherever and whenever you need it. We do so through our base of hydrogen containers and bottles, transported to you by our distribution partners. Reach out to us today.

Consultancy

Not sure where to start with green hydrogen? ROGER provides consultancy services on the green hydrogen. Our team has extensive knowledge of and experience with hydrogen. ROGER can support to develop your business case and to execute projects together. Helping you in the transition towards a greener future. Contact us and tap into our extensive knowledge, experience and network.