What is Green Hydrogen?
Hydrogen is the most abundant element on Earth. When used as a fuel or in industrial processes, it does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2), making it an attractive option for cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Green hydrogen specifically refers to hydrogen produced using renewable energy.
Hydrogen production comes in four varieties:
- Green hydrogen: Produced using renewable energy
- Grey hydrogen: Produced by splitting methane into CO2 and hydrogen
- Blue hydrogen: Same process as grey hydrogen, but the CO2 by-product is captured and stored
- Black hydrogen: Produced by partially burning coal
Australia’s Advantages in Green Hydrogen Production
Australia possesses several key advantages that position it well to become a major exporter of green hydrogen:
- Abundant renewable energy resources: Australia has ample solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources that can power green hydrogen production.
- Existing infrastructure: As a major exporter of coal and other resources, Australia has port facilities and industrial hubs well-suited for hydrogen production and export.
- Geogenic hydrogen potential: Australia’s unique geology, including granite formations, may enable production of so-called “white” or “gold” hydrogen directly from the earth.
Challenges and Opportunities
Making green hydrogen economically viable at scale still faces cost and efficiency hurdles in production, transport, and storage.
However, Australian companies and researchers are working to overcome these challenges:
- Hysata’s special material makes electrolysis 20% more efficient by eliminating energy-sapping bubbles.
- Researchers are exploring how geogenic hydrogen could be extracted, stored and used economically.
- Work is underway on using electrolysers and fuel cells to store surplus renewable energy in the form of hydrogen.
The Future of Green Hydrogen in Australia
As global investment in hydrogen increases in countries like China, Japan, Germany and the US, Australia has the opportunity to leverage its natural advantages to become a green hydrogen superpower. While some doubt the economic viability of exporting hydrogen, proponents believe it has a key role to play in the world’s energy transition and Australia’s future as a renewable energy leader.
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