Whilst the use of hydrogen in our energy spectrum is emission free, it is the production and transportation of several types of hydrogen that is giving rise to concern.

Green hydrogen (Green H2), as demonstrated in the GenComm project (nweurope.eu/gencomm) produced from renewable energy sources wind, solar and bio, is produced without greenhouse gas emissions so that it can then also be used without producing any emissions. However globally Green H2 only accounts for a small fraction of the global hydrogen production and use. Instead, Blue H2, hydrogen produced using fossil fuels such as natural gas, followed by carbon capture and storage methods is among those most found in national decarbonization plans with Green H2 playing a minimal role if any at all.

Companies and governments around the world are basing their decarbonisation plans on Blue H2.  Globally H2 is an important part of national energy infrastructure and decarbonization plans, however what is not clear is that these decarbonisation pans, whilst a step in the right direction are not sufficient to carry us to our net zero goals.

In our transition to net zero we must communicate and highlight the differing decarbonisation gaps that exist with the range of hydrogen fuel colours. The H2 colour system used it today’s debates is too simplistic, it does not convey the C02 content of the various production techniques and as such requires an update that refines the definitions. Essentially most people believe all hydrogen forms are the same and are unaware that not all hydrogen fuel is made in the same way.