Why Hydrogen?
The idea of using hydrogen as an energy carrier is not new but this time there is hope that hydrogen will finally make a difference to energy supply and emission reduction. Part of the reason is that the hydrogen-electricity (“hydricity”) model is expected to be far cheaper than an electricity only model for decarbonisation of the energy sector. Apart from balancing intermittency of renewables, hydrogen can also facilitate decarbonisation of heavy industry (iron & steel, chemicals, cement, shipping and long-haul surface transport) which has proved to be a challenge for electricity from renewables. The progress made in reducing the cost of producing low carbon hydrogen is also another reason for the revival of interest in hydrogen.