Green Hydrogen Economy
Electrolyzer efficiency, synthetic fuels, and industrial decarbonization.
The Thermodynamics of H2
Hydrogen is not an energy source; it is an energy carrier. Producing green hydrogen via electrolysis is highly energy-intensive. Standard alkaline or PEM electrolyzers operate at roughly 65-70% efficiency (Lower Heating Value), meaning 30% of the input renewable electricity is immediately lost as low-grade heat. Because of this round-trip efficiency penalty, hydrogen should be reserved for sectors that cannot be directly electrified, such as ammonia production, heavy steelmaking (Direct Reduced Iron), and maritime shipping (via green methanol).
Storage and Transport
Hydrogen's low volumetric energy density makes it notoriously difficult to transport. It must be compressed to 700 bar or cryogenically liquefied at -253°C, both of which incur further severe energy penalties. Dedicated pipeline networks (like the proposed European Hydrogen Backbone) offer the lowest cost transport at scale.
| Pathway | Estimated Cost (2024) | Emissions (kg CO2 / kg H2) |
|---|---|---|
| Grey (SMR - Gas) | $1.20 - $2.00 / kg | ~9.0 |
| Blue (SMR + CCS) | $1.80 - $2.50 / kg | 1.0 - 2.5 |
| Green (Electrolysis) | $4.50 - $7.00 / kg | 0.0 (if 100% renewable) |
Interactive: Electrolyzer Efficiency
Adjust the parameters below to run the model based on current baseline data.