Hydrogen Power: Not As Clean As You Thought

(Diagram from Cummins)

At first blush hydrogen fuel is one of the obvious solutions to global warming. Per the Department of Energy

Hydrogen is a clean fuel that, when consumed in a fuel cell, produces only water [bold added]. Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of domestic resources, such as natural gas, nuclear power, biomass, and renewable power like solar and wind.

These qualities make it an attractive fuel option for transportation and electricity generation applications. It can be used in cars, in houses, for portable power, and in many more applications.

Nothing to worry about, say the experts.

There are two major issues with hydrogen (no, a Hindenburg-like disaster isn't considered to be one of them): [bold added]

Hydrogen itself contributes to climate change when it leaks into the atmosphere. Scientists have long known that hydrogen triggers indirect warming effects in the atmosphere. As the smallest possible molecule, it is difficult to contain.

More, the latest research reveals that—depending on time frame—hydrogen’s warming power is two to six times as great as previously recognized.

The other issue is that the most widespread and cheapest method of making hydrogen fuel is the steam-methane process, which burns natural gas and produces CO2. The other method, electrolysis, can't yet operate at scale.

A business colleague with expertise in the area first told me about hydrogen power 25 years ago. (He now works in the sector.)

The problems of leakage throughout the delivery system and "dirty" production using fossil fuels seem to make hydrogen less promising than other alternative energy technologies. I don't like saying this, but it looks like my colleague is backing the wrong horse.