hydrogen energy
Hydrogen is a clean and sustainable energy source that can power vehicles, buildings, and industries. Market estimates and forecasts suggest that, in line with the latest technological developments, hydrogen will increasingly become a renewable energy source, similar to solar and wind power. However, this new clean energy source, used alone, will not be as efficient without the integration of artificial intelligence (AI). Indeed, thanks to AI, many key factors can be improved, such as safety, efficiency, and comfort, particularly in the automotive sector. Sustainable mobility is a global challenge requiring broad commitment, but this energy transition must accelerate the integration of all knowledge into new technologies to encourage public purchase of hydrogen-powered vehicles. The future of this new energy source is very optimistic; as shown in Figure 1, the global market share for hydrogen fuel cells is projected to grow from an initial $4 billion in 2022 to nearly $40 billion in 2032, representing an annual growth rate of approximately 26%.
Hydrogen is the most abundant and lightest chemical element in the universe. Compared to other fuels, hydrogen contains more energy per unit mass. Unfortunately, hydrogen also has a lower energy density per unit volume, so a larger volume of hydrogen is needed to meet the same energy requirements compared to other fuels.
Hydrogen is not an energy source, but rather an energy carrier. Therefore, its operation is electricity-related and very clean, as using hydrogen does not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants. In fact, it can be accumulated and subsequently used to provide energy. A fuel cell is one example; it uses the chemical reaction of hydrogen to generate electricity, producing only water, heat, and most importantly, electricity as a byproduct.
Today, half of the world's industrial sectors are ill-suited for electrification; therefore, effective alternatives to fossil fuels are needed, one of which is clean hydrogen, also known as green hydrogen. If hydrogen comes from renewable, low-carbon energy sources, it could be a crucial component for a cleaner planet. Green hydrogen is an element obtained through a special zero-emission process. This process involves electrolyzing water using energy generated from renewable sources, resulting in the breakdown of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. It is estimated that by 2050, 70% of hydrogen will be green, meaning it will come from renewable energy sources, unlike blue and gray hydrogen, which are obtained through the use of fossil fuels.
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, but on Earth, it is produced using a variety of methods and processes, including fossil fuels, natural gas, coal, water, nuclear energy, biomass, wind energy, and solar energy.
Electrolysis process
Electrolysis is a process that uses electrical energy to force chemical reactions. These reactions are caused by oxidation and reduction phenomena that occur when ions in a solution come into contact with the electrodes of an electric current generator. According to the following chemical reaction, water electrolysis causes molecules to break down, releasing hydrogen and oxygen.
This reaction can be carried out in a container called an "electrolytic cell." It consists of a current generator (pile or battery), with two metal electrodes connected to it and immersed in a solution of water and salt to facilitate the passage of electrons. The chemical reaction proceeds in two secondary reactions:
The reduction reaction occurs at the cathode (negative electrode) and produces hydrogen gas.
The oxidation reaction occurs at the anode (positive electrode) and produces oxygen.
The volume of hydrogen produced is twice that of oxygen because the stoichiometric ratio of the two gases is 2:1.
When the gas is collected in a test tube, the amount of hydrogen produced is twice that of oxygen. The gas production can be observed once the two electrodes are connected to a battery. Then, if a sufficient amount of hydrogen is collected and a lit match is placed nearby, a small explosion occurs due to the combustion of the hydrogen itself. This process is renewable and produces no pollution emissions. In this case, the hydrogen produced is renewable, an excellent and extremely clean fuel, and water can be regenerated from its combustion.
Large companies' actions
To prepare for the future applications of hydrogen energy technology, many car companies are committed to developing more efficient, convenient, and accessible hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. They are investing in research and development to improve the performance and convenience of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles so that they can be more widely used by users in the near future.
For example, Hyundai is committed to creating a more sustainable future. It is undoubtedly playing a leading role in the transition to more sustainable mobility. The company is investing in research and development of automotive artificial intelligence technologies, including autonomous driving, driver assistance, and fleet management. These technologies have the potential to make cars safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
In addition, Hyundai is already producing a variety of hydrogen-powered vehicles, including sedans, trucks, and buses. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are a clean and sustainable alternative to internal combustion engine vehicles because they do not emit greenhouse gases. Hyundai is investing in technologies to reduce pollution, improve air quality, and create green spaces. The company is collaborating with other companies and organizations to develop innovative solutions to address the environmental challenges of our time. One example of these projects is a circular hydrogen production technology that converts pollutants into clean hydrogen. This technology has the potential to have a significant impact on reducing air pollution.
The production of hydrogen-powered vehicles is still an emerging technology, but it is developing rapidly, with sales expected to grow at an annual rate of at least 26% over the next few years. This growth in hydrogen-powered vehicle production is driven by several key factors, such as increasing concerns about climate change, rising energy costs, and government support. Compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), hydrogen-powered vehicles offer several advantages. They have a longer driving range than BEVs and can be refueled in minutes. Furthermore, hydrogen-powered vehicles have zero greenhouse gas emissions, making them a more sustainable mobility solution.
Besides the modern Nexo, several other companies produce hydrogen-powered vehicles and contribute technological expertise to this new technology. For example, Toyota already has extensive experience in this field and, with its slogan "zero emissions, only droplets," has sold a large number of hydrogen-powered vehicles: its new Mirai is proof of this, boasting a 30% increase in range compared to the first generation. BMW has also launched its own hydrogen-powered vehicle and will further expand its vehicle lineup in the coming years.
Automakers are investing in research and development to improve the performance and convenience of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Currently, their prices remain higher than internal combustion engine vehicles and pure electric vehicles; however, companies are working to reduce component costs. While hydrogen-powered vehicles currently offer limited autonomy, companies are striving to improve the efficiency of fuel cells and hydrogen tanks, always prioritizing safety. An increasingly extensive network of hydrogen refueling stations is gradually being established. Automakers firmly believe that sustainable mobility is possible, and through their R&D commitments and strategic partnerships, they are helping to create a cleaner, more livable future for everyone.
