What is hydrogen used for today?
Hydrogen is gaining widespread attention across industries and around the world – and for good reason. It has a range of versatile applications, zero-emission potential, and purposes throughout the value chain; from fuelling vehicles, to industrial manufacturing, and providing clean energy.
Let’s explore the many applications of hydrogen and its current role in traditional and emerging sectors.
1. Energy and power generation
Hydrogen facilitates energy production, powers fuel cells, and even offers a zero-emission alternative for power plants.
Hydrogen fuel cells
One of hydrogen's most promising uses is in fuel cells, where it reacts with oxygen to produce electricity, water, and heat, without emitting CO2. Hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly used in clean energy applications, such as powering vehicles and stationary power generation. Fuel cells are especially appealing for transport, offering longer driving ranges and faster refuelling times compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Heating
Hydrogen can be used as a clean fuel in residential/industrial heating systems, either in fuel cells or as a direct replacement for natural gas. Its role in industrial heating is also expanding, with some sectors already using hydrogen in furnaces and kilns. (In some countries, such as the UK, pilot projects are testing hydrogen blends in natural gas grids, helping to reduce emissions from heating homes and businesses.)
Cooling
Hydrogen’s excellent thermal conductivity also makes it useful in cooling systems. Hydrogen gas is used in some advanced cooling systems for high-performance equipment, such as transformers, due to its ability to carry away heat more efficiently than air.
Power plants
Hydrogen is also being explored as a fuel for power generation, particularly in gas turbines. Power plants can burn hydrogen to generate electricity, and when combined with carbon capture technology, hydrogen combustion offers the potential for zero-emission power production – creating a viable pathway for decarbonising the electricity grid.
2. Transport
Hydrogen is revolutionising the transport and mobility sector as a sustainable alternative fuel source for cars, buses, trucks, and even planes and ships.
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles
Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) are being developed and deployed to supplant traditional petrol and diesel vehicles (internal combustion engine, ICE, vehicles). Major automakers are producing hydrogen-powered cars, such as Toyota’s Mirai and Hyundai’s Nexo.
Aviation
Aviation is another industry responsible for a significant share of global carbon emissions. Research and development for hydrogen-powered aircrafts is underway to decarbonise the industry, with companies, such as Airbus, Stralis, and AMSL Aero working on prototypes. Hydrogen’s high energy density and clean-burning properties make it a promising alternative to traditional jet fuels.
Shipping
Hydrogen has strong potential to decarbonise shipping and maritime. Hydrogen fuel cells and ammonia are being researched as alternatives to marine diesel, another major source of global greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Industrial applications
Hydrogen is a critical element in several industrial processes, including agriculture, oil & gas, and chemical manufacturing.
Agriculture
Hydrogen is used to produce ammonia, which is essential for manufacturing fertilisers. This process in the agricultural sector accounts for a large portion of global hydrogen demand, underscoring hydrogen’s role in supporting global agriculture and food production.
Refining petroleum
In the oil and gas industry, hydrogen is used to refine petroleum products. It is involved in removing sulphur from crude oil and refining fuels, such as diesel and gasoline, through a process called hydrocracking. This helps produce cleaner fuels with lower sulphur content, reducing harmful emissions when burned.
Chemical synthesis
Hydrogen plays a critical role in the production of methanol, hydrogen peroxide, and other widely-used chemicals. For instance, methanol is used as a raw material in a range of products, including plastics, paints, and adhesives, while hydrogen peroxide serves as an industrial bleach and disinfectant.
4. Food and beverage industry
In the food and beverage sector, hydrogen is used for processes like hydrogenation and food preservation to improve product quality and shelf life.
Oil hydrogenation
The food industry uses hydrogen in the hydrogenation process to convert the unsaturated fats in vegetable oils into saturated fats. This process is essential in making products like margarine, and improves the shelf-life and texture of many other food items.
Food preservation
Hydrogen is also used in packaging to displace oxygen, prevent oxidation, and prolong the shelf life of products. This is especially useful in packaging perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and meats.
5. Electronics and technology
Hydrogen even plays a role in the electronics industry, contributing to processes like semiconductor manufacturing, and providing backup power through fuel cells.
Semiconductor manufacturing
Hydrogen is used in the electronics industry, particularly in the production of semiconductors. It is used to create ultra-pure environments in which microchips and other electronic components are manufactured. Hydrogen’s role in reducing contaminants ensures the integrity and performance of these components.
Fuel cells for backup power
Hydrogen fuel cells are increasingly used as a source of backup power for critical infrastructure, such as data centers, telecommunication networks, and remote locations. These systems offer a reliable and clean alternative to traditional diesel generators, reducing the carbon footprint of operations that require constant power.
6. Space exploration
Rocket fuel
Did you know: hydrogen has long been used as rocket fuel in the form of liquid hydrogen, which is combined with liquid oxygen to produce thrust? The space industry relies on this highly-efficient fuel for launching spacecraft. Its ongoing role in space exploration remains critical; with Australian space agencies, such as BOC, using it to fuel rockets, and NASA continuing to use it in space missions.
7. Future potential and innovation
With emerging technologies and green production methods, the future of hydrogen holds vast potential for decarbonising industries and transforming energy systems globally.
Decarbonising heavy industries
Emerging applications of hydrogen include its use in decarbonising emissions-heavy industries, such as steel and cement manufacturing. Hydrogen has the potential to replace coal or natural gas in high-temperature industrial processes, significantly reducing their carbon output.
Green Hydrogen
One of the most exciting developments in the hydrogen sector is the rise of green hydrogen. Produced by using renewable energy sources (like wind, solar, or hydroelectric power) to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, green hydrogen is considered a sustainable solution with minimal environmental impact. As green hydrogen production scales up, it holds the potential to transform energy storage, industrial processes, and transportation, helping to meet global climate goals.
Hydrogen’s versatility makes it a crucial element in today’s global push for sustainability. From industrial processes to energy generation, transportation, and agriculture, hydrogen is already making a significant impact. As research and innovation continue, the potential uses for hydrogen will only expand, offering cleaner, more sustainable alternatives to traditional energy sources. With a future driven by green hydrogen, industries around the world are positioned to leverage its benefits, contributing to a more sustainable and low-emission future.
Interested in exploring a hydrogen solution for your organisation? Get in touch with our team to start a conversation.