About Hydrogen in its Natural State
Hydrogen in its natural state is a gas and is the lightest element known. It is so highly combustible it is used as rocket fuel. To be of any practical use it must be highly compressed and chilled to a liquid state below -423° F. Compressors require a lot of energy to run. The tanks required to store liquid hydrogen must withstand extremely high pressure and be heavily insulated to keep it at these very low temperatures.
Electrolysis of Water for Green Hydrogen Production
A hydrogen electrolyzer is a device that uses electricity to split water (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen produced using electrolysis and liquified using renewable energy to power the compressor is potentially a zero carbon energy source. This is a hopeful scenario for hydrogen production, storage and delivery. Today, green hydrogen is produced in small amounts around the globe. If combined, the total would be enough to run a power plant big enough to serve only one city of about one million people.
Green Hydrogen Production Analysis:
U.S. Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Green Hydrogen research at NREL
Green Hydrogen research in China
Hydrogen Production Through Electrolysis
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
Fuel cells are highly experimental today. Their principle of their operation is proven, but the production of a practical and affordable hydrogen fuel cell, supported by a hydrogen production and delivery infrastructure, is currently a long term goal.
Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office
Multi-Year Research, Development, and Demonstration Plan
FuelCellsWorks.com
Blue Hydrogen is an industrial process that generates 20% more carbon emissions than burning natural gas.