Hydrogen Outlook in depth - McKinsey

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Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier that has the potential to play a significant role in decarbonizing the energy system. Hydrogen-based technologies and fuels can provide low-carbon alternatives across sectors. However, as of now, there is still a wide range of possible hydrogen pathways up to 2050 both in terms of hydrogen demand and supply, leading to uncertainty for organizations looking to enter the hydrogen market or to scale their operations.

Government and private sector support is projected to heavily affect hydrogen uptake. At the same time, future technological developments of alternatives (for instance, high-temperature electric furnaces, long-duration energy storage, and availability of biobased feedstock) could also create competition in some of the new applications for hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels. Hydrogen companies may benefit from closely monitoring signposts on policies, the development of hydrogen-enabling infrastructure, and the cost-competitiveness of hydrogen-based technologies compared to other low-carbon alternatives as they chart their way forward.

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/...drogen-outlook

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Grey, green, and blue hydrogen are all terms used to distinguish different types of hydrogen based on their production methods and environmental impact. While hydrogen itself only emits water vapor when used, the process of creating it can vary greatly in terms of carbon emissions.

Here's a breakdown of each type:

Grey Hydrogen:

Most common method: Produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming.
Environmental impact: High carbon emissions, as the CO2 released during production is not captured or stored.
Current use: Widely used in various industries, but considered unsustainable due to its emissions.

Green Hydrogen:

Production method: Electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydro power.
Environmental impact: Zero carbon emissions, making it the most environmentally friendly option.
Current status: Growing in production but still faces challenges in terms of cost and infrastructure.

Blue Hydrogen:

Production method: Similar to grey hydrogen, but with carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to capture and store the CO2 emissions underground.
Environmental impact: Lower carbon emissions than grey hydrogen, but not entirely zero due to leakage and inefficiencies in CCS.

Current status: Seen as a potential transition fuel, but concerns exist about the long-term viability and safety of CCS.