Introduction
Hydrogen is the most abundantly available element in the universe which assures that it would not be depleted by humans anytime soon which is why hydrogen-driven methods are being introduced to replace the use of fossil fuels. Hydrogen being the major part of water can also be termed a key ingredient of life. As it is a key ingredient of life, it can be used as a replacement for the fossil fuels that are burnt in a gigantic amount every day, causing non-repairable damage to the environment and the ecology.
Hydrogen is used in various ways in different sectors. It is used as a lifting agent, fuel, in the food industry, etc. Though the idea of using hydrogen as a replacement for fossil fuels is relatively new, it has been proven successful. The idea might be new but the first hydrogen fuel cells were introduced in the late 19th century even before the internal combustion engines.
As hydrogen is light, storable, energy-rich, and does not directly cause the emission of greenhouse gases or environmental pollutants, it is becoming an integral part of the modern refining and energy-generating industry. With hydrogen being an affordable and sustainable source of energy for the future, its demand has grown three times since 1975.
Uses of Hydrogen in Different Sectors: –
1. Industry: The industrial sector witnesses the most use of hydrogen. From oil refining to methanol and ammonia production to steel production. It is extracted from fossil fuels hence diminishing their use and instead hydrogen is used to conserve the environment.
2. Transportation: Many electric vehicles contain a hydrogen fuel cell leading to efficient fuel substitution with zero emission of polluting gases and noise and can be used to travel long distances with easy refueling. As hydrogen fuel cells can be made from renewable sources of energy, it provides security for a more sustainable future.
3. Buildings: During the construction of buildings, hydrogen can be mixed in the natural gas networks and hydrogen cells and hydrogen boilers can be used which is said to
cost less than the traditional ones.
4. Power generation: hydrogen is one of the leading components of power generation. From gas turbines to power plants, hydrogen along with ammonia is used to boost power system flexibility.
Hydrogen as a source of clean energy: Greater the use of hydrogen, the greater will be the scope of decarbonization in the atmosphere leading to the conservation of the environment. As it can be stored and transported over long distances easily, it also becomes a convenient mode of energy production. Also, it being budget-friendly, secures the future prospects of the use of hydrogen to be used as a sustainable source of energy.
Not just environmentally, the global use of hydrogen market was valued at $900 million in the year 2020 and is expected to grow up to $300 billion by the year 2050. With such rapid economic growth investments in the same have grown up to development phases up to $500 dollar by 2021.
Also Read: Renewable Energy: The Future is Now
