Unlocking Potential: A Pathway to a Net-Zero Future

Luke Spencer-Wilson, Chief Operating Officer of clean energy investment fund HYCAP, explores the importantce of investing in research, development, and infrastructure in unlocking the full potential of hydrogen.

In July the Climate Change Committee warned that the UK’s emissions target was at risk. While it said the Government had an opportunity to ‘course-correct’, urgent action is needed which extended beyond electricity.

So as the world grapples with the urgent need to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the search for sustainable and clean energy sources takes on even greater significance.

In recent years, hydrogen has emerged as a promising fuel that holds great potential in our journey towards achieving a net-zero carbon economy. Yes, there are some headwinds, but, as we have previously discussed, there are many solutions in this journey.

This article delves into the importance of hydrogen as a clean fuel, exploring its benefits, challenges, and its role in transforming various sectors.

1. Carbon-Free Energy: One key reason hydrogen is gaining traction as a fuel is its ability to produce energy without generating carbon emissions. When hydrogen is combusted or used in fuel cells, it only emits water vapour, making it a clean and environmentally friendly alternative to fossil fuels. Using hydrogen as a fuel, we can significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation, power generation, and industrial processes.

2. Versatility and Energy Storage: Hydrogen offers a unique advantage in terms of energy storage and versatility. Unlike other renewable energy sources such as wind or solar, hydrogen can be produced, stored, and transported easily. This makes it an ideal solution for addressing the intermittency challenge of renewable energy (the wind doesn’t always blow and, as we’ve all experienced this year, the sun doesn’t always shine). Excess electricity generated from renewable sources can be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, and the hydrogen can then be stored and utilised when needed, providing a reliable and flexible energy supply.

3. Decarbonising Transportation: The transportation sector is one of the most significant contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) present an opportunity to decarbonise this sector. FCVs use hydrogen to generate electricity, which powers an electric motor, producing only water vapour as a byproduct. Compared to traditional internal combustion engines, FCVs offer longer driving ranges and shorter refuelling times, making them a viable alternative to fossil fuel-powered vehicles. Furthermore, hydrogen can also be used in the form of synthetic fuels, such as hydrogenated vegetable oil, to replace conventional liquid fuels, further reducing emissions.

“Hydrogen is an ideal solution for addressing the intermittency challenge of renewable energy (the wind doesn’t always blow and, as we’ve all experienced this year, the sun doesn’t always shine).”

4. Power Generation: Hydrogen can play a crucial role in decarbonising the power generation sector. By using hydrogen in fuel cells, we can produce electricity without any harmful emissions. Fuel cells can be employed in a range of applications, from small-scale portable devices to large-scale power plants. In combination with renewable energy sources, hydrogen can provide a reliable and sustainable energy solution, ensuring a smooth transition towards a net-zero carbon grid.

5. Industrial Processes: Hydrogen also holds immense potential in decarbonising industrial processes. Industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals are responsible for a significant portion of global emissions. Indeed, if cement was a country, it would be the third largest source of emissions after China and the US. By replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen in these processes, we can reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change. Hydrogen can be used as a feedstock, fuel, or reducing agent, enabling cleaner and greener industrial operations. While the potential of hydrogen as a fuel is vast, there are challenges that need to be addressed for its widespread adoption. These include the high cost of production, limited infrastructure, and the need for efficient storage and transportation methods. Additionally, the source of hydrogen production is critical, as the process must be powered by renewable energy to ensure its true environmental benefits. However, addressing the challenges and investing in research, development, and infrastructure are crucial to unlocking the full potential of hydrogen as a fuel and accelerating our journey to a sustainable future.

As Professor Piers Forster, interim Chair of the Climate Change Committee, said: “The transition to Net Zero can deliver investment, lower bills, and energy security. It will help the UK keep its place on the world stage.”