Its use to generate the 180 million tons of ammonia annually needed globally for manufacturing fertilizers would significantly impact food costs.
Fremont, CA: In oil refineries and for producing chemicals like fertilizer, hydrogen is mainly used. Today, most of the hydrogen produced worldwide is made using coal or natural gas, both of which have high carbon dioxide emissions. Therefore, developed nations are moving to "green hydrogen" instead, which is created utilizing clean electrical sources like solar and wind energy. Energy specialists Rod Crompton and Bruce Young discuss green hydrogen's possible advantages and disadvantages.
In 2021, there was a 94-million-ton demand for hydrogen, which had a 2.5 percent energy content in terms of ultimate energy consumption. Only about one percent of hydrogen produced globally is environmentally friendly, but significant increases are anticipated. The applications that may result in the biggest reductions in emissions should be the first to be targeted, as green hydrogen is genuinely intended to reduce carbon dioxide. The Liebreich ladder identifies them. The (green) top row's uses of the priceless green hydrogen are practical.
However, producing green hydrogen presently costs substantially more than paying for other forms of hydrogen. Its use to generate the 180 million tons of ammonia annually needed globally for manufacturing fertilizers would significantly impact food costs.
Therefore, it is complex to predict how this change will take place.
Water is used to create green hydrogen. Equipment known as electrolyzers separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in water (H2O) using renewable ("green") power. The method is known as electrolysis.
Carbon dioxide is not produced during the generation of green hydrogen. However, fossil fuels are being used while developing renewable electrical infrastructure.
In the past, producing hydrogen from non-renewable energy sources such as coal and natural gas resulted in "black hydrogen" and "grey hydrogen," respectively. The hydrogen created using these techniques is called "blue hydrogen" when paired with carbon capture and storage.
Even though the cost of producing renewable energy has declined, electrolysis must still be economically viable. According to research, the cost of green hydrogen today is estimated to be between 250 and 400 dollars per barrel of oil at the factory gate. Cost savings in the future are anticipated, although they are unknown. The oil price is currently under $100 per barrel, which is far less than what it would cost to utilize green hydrogen instead of traditional petroleum goods. Additionally, the price of transporting hydrogen must be considered.
