Technological Advancements in Adopting Green Hydrogen in the Power and Energy Sector
Kapil Bhardwaj
Abstract
Hydrogen's potential as a renewable energy source is growing to meet energy demands and lower greenhouse gas emissions. The most effective type of hydrogen created using renewable energy sources is “green hydrogen.” From powering heavy industry and long-haul transportation to heating systems, its versatility offers a comprehensive approach to reducing emissions across various sectors. It can be used for clean power generation but faces challenges such as high production costs, the need for large infrastructure for distribution and storage, fuel cell issues, and strict safety regulations. This paper examines the methods for producing, storing, transporting, distributing and socio-economic impacts of green hydrogen, providing insights into developing suitable systems for various applications. Production methods include the thermochemical and biological biomass processes, water-splitting technology and novel techniques like hydrogen fuel cells and plasma arc decomposition. Storage options, essential for sustainability, include physically based techniques (compression, liquefaction, cryo-compression, high-pressure gaseous storage) and chemically based techniques (metal hydrides, complex hydrides, carbon nanostructures, oxidation of reactive metals). Accordingly, a robust infrastructure is crucial for hydrogen distribution and transportation, addressing technical and safety concerns such as material requirements and strict purity standards. Innovations with advanced materials for storage are needed. Our conclusions indicate a promising future for green hydrogen production and decarbonization, significantly impacting socio-economic life by creating new industries and jobs, promoting energy independence, and contributing to a cleaner environment. The development and adoption of green hydrogen technologies can foster a more sustainable and prosperous global economy, benefiting society on multiple levels.