The search for solutions to reduce our carbon footprint is one of humanity’s greatest challenges, and green hydrogen emerges as one of the most promising alternatives in this regard.
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, which sets it apart from gray or blue hydrogen, obtained from fossil sources and less sustainable processes. This clean technology has attracted the attention of governments, industries, and scientists, who believe that green hydrogen could be the key to a more sustainable and efficient energy transition.
One sector that has shown great interest in green hydrogen is mobility. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), transportation accounts for approximately 24% of global energy-related CO2 emissions. Therefore, the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions is crucial to reducing these emissions and combating climate change.
Green hydrogen has the potential to be used as fuel in various modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, trains, and even airplanes. For example, Toyota launched the Mirai, its first hydrogen-powered vehicle, in 2014. Other manufacturers, such as Hyundai and Honda, have also invested in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Additionally, governments around the world have implemented policies to encourage the use of green hydrogen in mobility. The European Union, for example, launched its “Hydrogen Strategy” in July 2020, which calls for the installation of at least 6 gigawatts of water electrolysis by 2024 and the development of a hydrogen infrastructure network.
However, there are still challenges to be overcome for green hydrogen to become a viable large-scale alternative. Production costs remain high, although studies indicate a downward trend in the coming years (6). Furthermore, it is necessary to expand the distribution and storage infrastructure for hydrogen and increase the efficiency of fuel cells.
In summary, green hydrogen has the potential to transform global mobility and contribute significantly to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. As the technology evolves and costs decrease, it is likely that we will see an increase in the use of green hydrogen as a clean and sustainable energy source for transportation. We will continue to closely follow this fascinating topic and keep you informed about the latest developments and advances in this area.
It is important to remember that green hydrogen is just one piece of the sustainable mobility puzzle. Other solutions, such as vehicle electrification and the development of advanced biofuels, also play a crucial role in this transition.