Whether you believe hydrogen is fundamental to a clean energy future or dismiss it as wishful thinking, one thing is for certain — more of it is coming, especially for transportation.
Asia is leading the charge with ambitious plans that underscore the global shift towards sustainable energy sources. Here's a closer look at some of the key players:
🇨🇳 China — Currently the world's largest consumer and producer of hydrogen (primarily produced from fossil fuels) but with significant plans to boost “green” hydrogen production (primarily produced by electrolyzing water) for industries like steel and chemicals.
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia: Home to the world's largest green hydrogen project in development, aiming to produce up to 600 tonnes of green hydrogen per day using solar and wind energy.
🌍 Global Effort: The International Energy Agency highlights numerous countries investing in operational or upcoming hydrogen projects.
As the U.S. continues to embrace a hydrogen-fueled future, the first hydrogen-powered commuter train in the nation is set to arrive in Southern California later this year.
An additional four hydrogen trains are also on track for deployment by 2027 as part of an $80M deal between Swiss manufacturer Stadler Rail and The California Department of Transportation.
Last year, Nikola rolled out 42 hydrogen semi-trucks that are expected to hit the roads soon, and California's transit agencies are poised to order hundreds of hydrogen buses for zero-emission targets.
Despite the commercial and public transportation sectors exploring hydrogen fuel, its adaptation for personal cars is still being hindered by high costs and skepticism.
🦴 Environmental Concerns — Currently, 99% of hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels (with 71% derived from natural gas), complicating its clean energy credentials amid rising fuel prices and the global energy crunch.
💭 The Dream — Environmentalists hope to one day achieve fully green hydrogen production, but for now, it uses a lot more energy compared to charging a battery. So, hydrogen can either be green or efficient, it can’t be both…yet.