The European Union has made hydrogen one of its priorities. Outside our European borders, the world as a whole is turning towards this energy with its many promises. France is no exception to this new rule. The government and economic players have seized this promising and high added value theme. The investments are massive. But what place will hydrogen take in the decarbonization of our planet?
Plunged for more than two years into the Covid-19 pandemic and turned towards eastern Europe where a war is tearing Ukraine apart, we have somewhat put aside our fight against global warming. The sixth report of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reminds us of reality while indicating that nothing is yet decided in advance.
At the same time, the European Commission published its climate plan called “Adjustment to Target 55” (reduction of emissions by at least 55% by 2030). Europe, but also the whole world and in particular the most industrialized countries must change the way they produce and consume energy which is responsible for three quarters of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
However, it is in this emergency context that hydrogen seems to stand out as an effective carbon-free energy. It is easily transportable, and its storage is also facilitated by its concentration. It can thus overcome the intermittency problems of certain renewable energies, such as wind and solar. It can also and above all replace fossil fuels in mobility. Finally, it can actively participate in the decarbonization of industry.
An energy that imposes many challenges
Hydrogen, a miracle solution? Perhaps, but to achieve the objective set by European adjustment, it is essential to replace green hydrogen, produced from renewable energies, with gray hydrogen, produced with fossil energies such as natural gas. , which represents 95% of current production.
Certainly. But to achieve this objective, there are many challenges to overcome. Because producing green hydrogen means massively increasing the production of renewable electricity.
In terms of mobility, the end of the thermal car by 2035 sounds like the twilight of the “oil era”. Media, politicians, economic players and engineers are increasingly talking about clean mobility, using hydrogen, for cars, heavy goods vehicles, planes and even liners and other container ships. In some sectors, such as aviation, the promises of hydrogen seem distant, even if Airbus’ hydrogen-powered A380 project appears to be coming to fruition.
On the other hand, for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, hydrogen may be required. It would also significantly increase the autonomy of these vehicles, which cover long distances. Maritime transport and smart ports could also benefit from this great element in the near future. This “hydrogen revolution” has in fact already started.
In the industrial sector, hydrogen prepares the industry of the future with the power supply of cogeneration plants for the production of heat and electricity. France wants to reach 10% green hydrogen in industrial uses from 2023 and between 20 and 40% by 2028. In order not to penalize European industries, the “Adjustment to Objective 55” provides for a tax carbon at the Union’s borders in the hope that this will push the world’s major industrial powers to follow the low-carbon movement.
Green hydrogen is an energy that must be counted on to reduce GHGs. But be careful not to make it a miracle solution. It is necessary to carefully evaluate its uses and above all to increase its production. While waiting to achieve sufficient production, France and Europe will have to resort to imports and/or production of blue hydrogen in the best case, or even gray. Hydrogen is indeed an energy of the future for the decarbonization of our planet, but the technological, economic and political challenges are still numerous.
