Fundamentals of Green Energy and the Significance of Green Hydrogen

Abstract

The transition to green energy is crucial to combat global climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Significant challenges exist in adopting renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These challenges include the inconsistency of the renewable energy supply, the need for large-scale storage solutions, and the high initial infrastructure development costs. Green hydrogen is becoming a promising solution for addressing these challenges. Green hydrogen uses renewable electricity to electrolyze water, providing a versatile and clean energy carrier that can be stored and utilized in various applications, such as transportation, industry, and power generation. Despite its potential, green hydrogen is facing significant technological and economic obstacles. Technologically, electrolysers’ efficiency and durability need improvement for hydrogen production's viability. The high costs of electrolyzer technology and renewable electricity, along with the lack of extensive hydrogen infrastructure, are significant obstacles to large-scale economic adoption. This chapter focuses on the interconnected challenges of green energy and hydrogen. It highlights the need for technological advancements, financial investments, and supportive policies to realize their full potential in the global energy transition.