Beyond Silos: A Unified Approach to Decarbonisation through Hydrogen Integration

Renewable sources like hydrogen ignite hope as the world wrestles with surging energy demands, dwindling fossil fuels, and choked skies. Hydrogen fuel, versatile in both gaseous and liquid forms, boasts applications from fuel cells and internal combustion engines to powering industries. Global hydrogen production currently stands at 0.1 gigatonnes, primarily for industrial applications like metal refining. Despite its promise, hydrogen remains a fledgling player in the global energy mix. High production costs, with water electrolysis four times costlier than steam reforming, pose a significant hurdle. Also, hydrogen's low volumetric density necessitates efficient compression, liquefaction, and storage advances. Public awareness of the scope of turquoise and blue hydrogen should be actively pursued. With this background, the present article discusses critical global challenges in detail and suggests recommendations and pathways for enabling a decarbonised future powered by clean, sustainable hydrogen energy.