As the global energy sector shifts away from fossil fuels, researchers search for sustainable replacements. After exploring solar and wind powers’ limitations, environmentalists evaluate hydrogen’s place in energy production. Individuals used hydrogen as a power source throughout history and identified its sustainability limitations.
Ecological scientists and researchers developed green hydrogen to lower energy-related greenhouse gas emissions. Government officials recognize green hydrogen’s potential benefits and create regulations to advance production processes. Startups are capitalizing on the energy supply’s demands by generating sustainable hydrogen sources.
The Future of Green Hydrogen
Before exploring startups that increase hydrogen’s sustainability, individuals must assess the energy sector’s future. Government officials in Oregon, U.S., created carbon reduction policies that include green hydrogen production. The state calls upon gas companies to reduce their emission-producing fuel supplies by 5% before 2024.
Gas companies can achieve the objective by replacing fossil fuels with green hydrogen. The power source also supports regions transitioning towards a clean electric grid. Hydrogen can help fill the electricity gaps produced by solar and wind power.
Once manufacturers expand green hydrogen production, society can eliminate its fossil fuel reliance. Three startups are improving the clean energy sector with technological advancements.
Micro-Electrolyzer
One startup is enhancing hydrogen’s sustainability using micro-electrolyzers. Fusion Fuel captures and converts carbon emissions into green hydrogen. Engineers at the company created the disruptive micro-electrolyzer to produce cost-effective synthetic fuels.
The technology uses solar power to create clean energy at a lower cost than brown hydrogen. Another startup uses aquatic technology to convert saltwater into emission-free energy.
Oceanwater Green Hydrogen
sHYp is a startup in Baltimore, Maryland, that converts seawater into sustainable hydrogen. The company uses an advanced technological system to produce clean energy without releasing toxic waste. Engineers are 3D printing and modularly constructing hydrogen-production devices to increase their sustainability.
Energy professionals can pair sHYp’s technology with silica-removal systems and protect their machinery. Silica damages devices and removing the elements can increase a system’s longevity. Preventing machinery damage may minimize manufacturing pollution and improve sustainability levels.
Biomass-Derived Hydrogen
Qairos is another startup improving hydrogen production technologies. The company generates sustainable hydrogen using gasification. It absorbs a combination of methane, carbon and hydrogen from plant matter.
The system heats the biomass without reaching combustion, which prevents greenhouse gas emissions. Gases filter through a separator that extracts hydrogen for fuel cells. Because the hydrogen comes from plants, it is a renewable energy source.
Who Benefits From Sustainable Hydrogen?
Many industries benefit from sustainable hydrogen production. The transportation sector is making room for the fuel source by developing compatible devices. Individuals can minimize greenhouse gas emissions by driving fuel cell vehicles.
Green hydrogen also supports energy storage without producing pollution. Environmentalists have a difficult time storing solar and wind power sustainably. Sustainable hydrogen can hold renewable energy for extended periods and deliver clean electricity when weather prohibits power production.
Another industry benefiting from green hydrogen is steel. Modern production practices use significant quantities of energy, which produces greenhouse gas emissions. A Swedish company developed a system creating sustainable steel with green hydrogen.
The company is using steel to make car parts for Volvo. The production process uses zero fossil fuels and may lead the green revolution in the manufacturing industry.
Will Green Hydrogen Replace Fossil Fuels?
The green hydrogen sector remains in its infancy. Environmentalists are unsure whether the clean power source will replace fossil fuels completely in the future. They do believe green hydrogen will help society transition towards a low-impact energy sector by supporting the clean electric grid.
Jane Marsh, Contributor
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