Humanity has been using hydrogen since the 17th century โ long before scientists understood what it was. English chemist Henry Cavendish identified it as a distinct element in 1766, naming it โhydrogen,โ meaning โwater-former.โ
Centuries later, hydrogen is again drawing attention, this time as a potential cornerstone of the clean energy transition. It already powers industries, lights homes, and launches rockets.
Experts say its role will expand as countries push toward net-zero emissions.
Here are six reasons hydrogen is increasingly seen as a fuel of the future.
1. Zero Direct COโ Emissions
When hydrogen reacts with oxygen, the only byproducts are electricity, water and heat โ no carbon dioxide. Because hydrogen contains no carbon, it produces no direct greenhouse gas emissions when burned or used in fuel cells.
That means industries can replace fossil fuels with hydrogen in power plants, turbines and boilers. Companies such as Mitsubishi Power, a unit of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, are already developing gas turbines that can run fully on hydrogen, helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
2. High Energy Density
Hydrogen burns quickly and at high temperatures, producing significant heat and energy. As safety and storage technology improves, its use as a clean, efficient fuel is becoming more practical.
Its high energy density makes it well-suited for heavy transportation and industries that require large amounts of power โ areas where batteries alone may not suffice.
3. Abundant and Versatile
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, found in water, natural gas and organic matter. But it rarely exists in pure form and must be extracted from other compounds.
Traditionally, hydrogen has been produced using fossil fuels and steam. Now, cleaner methods such as solar- and wind-powered electrolysis are emerging, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen without generating carbon emissions. Researchers are also exploring biological and thermal production methods.
4. Long-Term Energy Storage
Wind and solar power are intermittent, varying with weather and time of day. Hydrogen offers a way to store excess renewable energy for later use.
Through electrolysis, surplus electricity can be converted into hydrogen, stored for months and reconverted into power when needed. This helps stabilize electric grids and ensures a steady energy supply during periods of low renewable output.
5. Industrial Applications
Hydrogen is increasingly viewed as a solution for hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as steel, glass and cement. Heavy industry accounted for nearly 40% of global energy consumption in 2021, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).
Companies including ArcelorMittal are experimenting with hydrogen-based steelmaking, using Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) processes fueled by 100% hydrogen instead of coal. Such innovations could drastically cut industrial emissions in the coming decades.
6. Growing Investment and Policy Support
Hydrogen development is gaining momentum worldwide. Electrolyzer capacity tripled in 2021, with more than 200 megawatts of new installations, the IEA reported. Nearly 1,500 low-carbon hydrogen projects are now in progress.
The โgreen hydrogenโ market โ valued at $676 million in 2022 โ is projected to grow to $7.3 billion by 2027, according to industry estimates.
In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act offers major subsidies for hydrogen production. Construction is underway on the Advanced Clean Energy Storage hub in Utah, a joint venture between Mitsubishi Power Americas and Magnum Development. The project will store renewable hydrogen for the Intermountain Power Agencyโs IPP Renewed Project and could eventually help decarbonize power generation across the western U.S.
A Fuel of Today โ and Tomorrow
Hydrogen has powered electricity since the 19th century and continues to play a role in modern innovation โ from industrial applications to space exploration.
The IEA calls hydrogen โa key pillar of decarbonization for industry.โ With its versatility, abundance and clean-burning qualities, hydrogen is poised to become an essential part of the global effort to reach net-zero emissions โ not just in the distant future, but starting now.
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