Hydrogen fuel a ‘dead end’ for net zero
The fuel is expensive, inefficient and associated with worse environmental impacts than other options when it comes to heating and transport, argues Hydrogen Science Coalition
Hydrogen as a fuel for heating and transport is too inefficient and expensive a route for the world to take if it is to reach net zero by 2050, according to David Cebon, a professor at the University of Cambridge and a member of thinktank the Hydrogen Science Coalition. “The most effective use cases for green hydrogen to reduce emissions are exactly what it is used for now,” Cebon argues, highlighting fertilisers, petrochemicals and glass as carbon-intensive sectors where hydrogen is used in vast quantities. Steelmaking, responsible for 7–8pc of global emissions, is a sector where hydrogen could replace coking coal to directly reduce iron. “In all these industrial processes, hydrogen will be
Also in this section
28 March 2024
Investment landscape is firming up in North African country with potential to become one of the world’s major exporters
22 March 2024
German energy firm and Canada-based Pattern Energy aim to ship green ammonia to Hamburg in latest move to secure imports to Europe’s largest economy
22 March 2024
French company prepares for commercial launch of underground storage system to be deployed at green hydrogen production and consumption sites
21 March 2024
Region has competitive edge in low-carbon hydrogen, but infrastructure and export challenges are key roadblocks to overcome