25 marzo 2024 – It Isn’t Just About Color.

What are the criteria for the comparison?

A recent publication looks into the future role of hydrogen, projecting its global final energy share to be 2%-3% by 2050, with potential peaks up to 12%. The study critically analyzes the competitiveness of blue and green hydrogen, focusing on their potential in energy systems.

🟢🔵 1. Environmental Impact:
Analyzing life-cycle GHG emissions, the study underscores the varying environmental impacts of hydrogen production methods. Green hydrogen’s GHG emissions primarily depend on the GHG intensity of electricity used for water splitting, while blue hydrogen’s emissions are tied to CO2 capture rates and methane leakage.

🟢🔵 2. Innovation:
The authors compare conservative and progressive scenarios for both hydrogen types, reflecting current technologies and potential future developments. For instance, blue hydrogen produced with high net CO2 capture rates (up to 93%) shows promise but requires technological advancements and lower methane leakage rates to remain competitive.

🟢🔵 3. Feasibility:
The economic viability of both hydrogen types is explored, taking into account factors like electricity and natural gas prices, carbon costs, and technology costs. The study finds that until at least 2035, green and blue hydrogen remain more expensive than natural gas.