Hydrogen’s crucial role in the global energy transition

As COP29 begins in Baku

The COP29 climate summit began in Baku, Azerbaijan, on November 11, 2024. Discussions are turning to hydrogen, which is being hailed as a key player in the global push for a net-zero future. The summit will bring together world leaders, industry experts, and environmental advocates to examine hydrogen’s potential in achieving ambitious climate goals.

Professor Richard Washington, a renowned climate science expert from the University of Oxford and Chair of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee, explores hydrogen’s pivotal role in the energy transition.

Why is hydrogen often referred to as the “magic molecule”?

Professor Washington explained that the term “magic” can be misleading. While hydrogen has immense potential, he emphasised that calling it “magic” might imply it is a simple, unproven solution. “Hydrogen is a gift from nature, but the real magic lies in how we develop it. It will require innovation, technological advancements, and substantial financial investments to unlock its true potential,” he said.

Hydrogen’s versatility makes it an appealing energy source, especially supporting renewable energy goals. It can be produced from water using renewable electricity sources like wind or hydro, and when used in fuel cells, it generates only water vapour as a by-product. This makes it a promising solution for sectors with high energy demands, such as transportation across land and sea. Additionally, hydrogen can store energy efficiently, helping balance the fluctuations of renewable power generation.

Can you explain the different types of hydrogen we hear about?

Professor Washington elaborated on the various “colours” of hydrogen produced based on their methods of production and environmental impacts. At COP29, discussions will centre on “green hydrogen,” the cleanest form. “Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity. This is a key area of focus because it has the potential to play a central role in decarbonising industries globally,” he stated.

There are also other types of hydrogen, such as “blue” and “pink.” Blue hydrogen comes from natural gas but uses carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to mitigate emissions. It is seen as a transitional fuel while green hydrogen technologies scale up. Pink hydrogen, produced through nuclear power, is still emerging. Lastly, grey hydrogen, derived from fossil fuels, is the least environmentally friendly as it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

How is green hydrogen produced?

Professor Washington explained that green hydrogen is created using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis. The hydrogen gas is captured and stored for future use, making it an entirely sustainable option when powered by clean electricity like wind, solar, or hydro.

How does hydrogen fit into Extreme E and the new Extreme H series?

Hydrogen has been central to Extreme E, a motorsport series that uses electric SUVs to race in remote locations worldwide. According to Professor Washington, the championship has used hydrogen-powered technologies from its inception. “From the first race, we’ve been using hydrogen to power the race site and the vehicles themselves,” he shared. The series has tested these technologies in extreme environments, from the tundra of Greenland to the arid deserts of Chile and the Arabian Peninsula.

With the upcoming launch of Extreme H, a new series explicitly focused on hydrogen, the goal is to push the boundaries of clean energy innovation. “Extreme H will not only showcase hydrogen’s potential in motorsports but also prove that this technology can be scalable and accessible for everyday use,” said Professor Washington.

What are the health and environmental benefits of hydrogen compared to fossil fuels?

Switching from fossil fuels to hydrogen could bring substantial health and environmental benefits. Professor Washington highlighted that hydrogen only produces water vapour when used in a fuel cell, unlike fossil fuels, which emit harmful pollutants. This results in cleaner air and fewer health issues related to respiratory diseases. “Hydrogen’s use could drastically reduce air pollution in urban areas, leading to better public health and a higher quality of life,” he added.

Why is hydrogen so crucial in the context of COP29 and the future of climate policy?

Professor Washington pointed out that hydrogen is set to play a vital role in addressing the climate crisis. “If we harness hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, effectively, it can help us meet the ambitious goals of the 2015 Paris Agreement, including limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels,” he noted.

He expects hydrogen to be a major topic of discussion at COP29, with world leaders focusing on scaling green hydrogen production and building the necessary infrastructure. “This summit is a pivotal opportunity for governments and industry to create a clear path for hydrogen in the energy transition,” he said.

Why is a motorsport platform like Extreme H important for hydrogen’s future?

For Professor Washington, the role of motorsports like Extreme H in advancing hydrogen technology is crucial. “Motorsports offer a unique testing ground for hydrogen fuel cells in high-performance environments. The competitive nature of the sport accelerates innovation, helping to push hydrogen technology to its limits,” he explained.

In these extreme conditions, the challenges and innovations developed in motorsport can have broader applications. “Through Extreme H, we’re exploring how hydrogen can power not only vehicles but also industries like transportation and energy,” he concluded.

As the world moves toward a sustainable future, hydrogen’s potential to catalyse change has never been more apparent. The “magic molecule” could be the key to solving the global energy crisis, and events like COP29 will be crucial in charting a course toward that goal.

Featured image: Professor Richard Washington is a climate science expert from the University of Oxford and Chair of Extreme E’s Scientific Committee. Credit: Simon Galloway/LAT Images

Last Updated on 2 months by Dan Ngiam