The subject of hydrogen fuel cells has recently come into the limelight when Germany launched the world’s first fleet of hydrogen-powered trains. This breakthrough signifies a milestone in the journey towards zero-emission transportation, with these trains being capable of reaching speeds of up to 140 kilometres per hour and covering a distance of about 1,000 km before needing to refuel.
Exploring Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells are an innovative solution for generating high-quality electric power. Leveraging hydrogen as a fuel to drive an electrochemical process, they produce electricity, leaving behind only water and heat as by-products. This clean, dependable, and efficient energy source capitalises on one of the most abundant elements on Earth.
The Types of Hydrogen: Green, Brown, Grey, and Blue
Hydrogen exists in different types depending on how it is produced. Green hydrogen, produced by electrolysis using renewable energy sources like solar or wind power, boasts a lower carbon footprint. On the other hand, brown and grey hydrogen are produced from coal and natural gas, respectively, releasing harmful emissions into the air. A third type, blue hydrogen, is also derived from natural gas, but it uses carbon capture and storage to manage the emissions.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Utilising Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Hydrogen fuel cells offer several benefits. They produce zero harmful emissions, operate quietly, and can be scaled easily, which means they are suitable for various applications, from powering buildings to driving machinery. However, they also present challenges. Green hydrogen constitutes just 0.03% of global hydrogen production and is currently up to five times more expensive than its brown or grey counterparts. Furthermore, the storage and transportation of hydrogen fuel are complex, and extracting hydrogen requires a substantial amount of energy, which typically comes from environmentally unfriendly fossil fuels.
The Status of Hydrogen Energy in India
India has taken significant steps towards hydrogen energy. The 2021-22 Union Budget announced the National Hydrogen Energy Mission (NHM) to develop a roadmap for using hydrogen as an energy source. This joins other initiatives promoting renewable energy, such as the Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM), International Solar Alliance, PM-KUSUM, National Wind-Solar Hybrid Policy, and Rooftop Solar Scheme. If India swapped its trains to run on hydrogen, it could save over 24 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and 2,400 million litres of diesel fuel each year.
Future Perspectives on Hydrogen Fuel Use
Moving forward, various hydrogen councils worldwide are advocating for blue hydrogen production. Blue hydrogen is grey hydrogen produced with added installations for carbon capture and storage in the production facility. This approach can capture up to 90% of CO2 emitted during hydrogen production, effectively mitigating harmful emissions.
Understanding Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
In the context of vehicle applications, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles produce water as “exhaust”. A fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy, utilizing hydrogen and oxygen gas as fuel. The products of this reaction are water, electricity, and heat, making it a more environmentally friendly option compared to internal combustion engines or coal-burning power plants.