What are the advantages and disadvantages of using hydrogen?

Advantages

Clean energy source

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when produced through renewable energy sources, can contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainability.

Versatility

Hydrogen can be used in various sectors, including transportation, industry, power generation and heating, making it a versatile energy carrier.

Energy storage

Hydrogen can serve as an energy storage solution, helping businesses manage intermittent renewable energy sources by storing excess energy and using it when needed.

Decarbonising industry

Businesses can use hydrogen as a feedstock or fuel in industrial processes, enabling the decarbonisation of traditionally carbon-intensive sectors like steel, refining and chemical manufacturing.

Zero emissions transportation

Hydrogen fuel cells can power vehicles, providing a zero-emission alternative to traditional internal combustion engines, especially for heavy-duty transportation like buses and trucks.

Reduced dependency on fossil fuels

Utilising hydrogen can help businesses reduce their reliance on fossil fuels, contributing to energy security and resilience.

Disadvantages

Cost

Hydrogen production, especially "green hydrogen" from renewable sources, can currently be more expensive than traditional fossil fuels, limiting its widespread adoption.

Infrastructure challenges

Hydrogen prices for consumers are highly dependent on how many refuelling stations there are, how often they are used and how much hydrogen is delivered per day. Tackling this is likely to require planning and coordination that brings together national and local governments, industry and investors.

Energy intensity of production

Hydrogen production through some methods (e.g., steam methane reforming) can be energy-intensive and might not align with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Storage and transportation difficulties

Hydrogen has low energy density by volume, making storage and transportation complex. It often requires high-pressure tanks or cryogenic storage, adding to costs and safety concerns.

Safety concerns

Hydrogen is highly flammable and requires strict safety measures during production, handling and storage.

Limited hydrogen supply chain

The supply chain for hydrogen is not as mature as that of fossil fuels, which may pose logistical challenges for businesses seeking to adopt hydrogen solutions.

Technology development

Certain applications, such as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, require further technological advancements to be more competitive and widely adopted.

While hydrogen offers promising benefits for businesses seeking cleaner energy solutions and sustainability, it is essential to carefully consider the specific needs and constraints of each business before implementing hydrogen-based technologies. Cost, technological readiness, availability of renewable energy and supporting infrastructure should all be evaluated to determine the viability and effectiveness of integrating hydrogen into business operations.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using Hydrogen?