Hydrogen Hopes
Could the most common element in the universe power our future?
Why hydrogen matters
Hydrogen is already used in industry — for example, to help turn crude oil into fuels like petrol and jet fuel. But many scientists believe it could also play a big role in low-carbon energy. Why? Because when hydrogen is used as a fuel, it doesn’t produce carbon dioxide.
How do we get hydrogen?
Hydrogen is everywhere in the universe. On Earth, it’s usually locked inside other substances — like water or natural gas. So we have to separate it.
1. Electrolysis
Electricity can split water (H₂O) into hydrogen and oxygen. If the electricity comes from renewable or nuclear power, the hydrogen can be very low-carbon. This process is called electrolysis.
2. Steam methane reforming
This is the most common method today. It uses natural gas to produce hydrogen. But it also creates carbon dioxide. If that carbon dioxide is captured and stored, emissions can be reduced.
3. Biomass
Hydrogen can also be made from plant-based materials. With carbon capture, this can result in low emissions.
What can we use hydrogen for?
Heating homes
Heating accounts for a large share of energy use in homes worldwide. In many countries, homes rely on natural gas or other fossil fuels for heating. While natural gas is cleaner than coal or oil, it still releases carbon dioxide. Hydrogen, on the other hand, does not produce carbon dioxide when burned. Around the world, projects are exploring whether cities and regions could transition from natural gas to hydrogen for heating.
Much of the pipe replacement is already happening across the UK. If trials succeed, other cities could follow.
Transport
Transport is one of the largest energy-consuming sectors worldwide. Most vehicles still rely on petrol or diesel, which produce carbon emissions. Hydrogen can be used to power vehicles through a fuel cell.
Inside a fuel cell:
- Hydrogen reacts with oxygen
- Electricity is produced
- The motor is powered
The only by-product? Water.
Hydrogen buses have been running in cities like London and Aberdeen. Germany operates hydrogen trains. If used widely, hydrogen could reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.
The Bottom Line
Hydrogen could help power homes, buses and even entire cities — without releasing carbon dioxide at the point of use. But how clean it is depends on how it’s made. If produced using low-carbon energy, hydrogen could become an important part of the future energy system.
Related ideas
Nature’s Light
Could glowing plants and animals light our cities?
Carbon Capture
Can we stop carbon dioxide before it reaches the air?
Lunar Panels
Could moonlight one day power Earth?
Let’s shape the future together
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