The role of electrolytic hydrogen in the clean energy transition

Today, 95% of the hydrogen produced in Europe is of fossil origin and a major emitter of CO2. For the EU to achieve carbon neutrality, hydrogen must be produced in a way that emits low amounts of CO2. One way to do this is to produce hydrogen by electrolysis, using largely decarbonised electricity from the grid. Electricity grids based on renewables and nuclear allow hydrogen to be produced close to industrial consumption centres (without having to rely on dedicated hydrogen pipelines). Sometimes called “purple hydrogen”, using nuclear electricity for hydrogen production can complement the production of “green hydrogen” (renewable) as it both offers the benefit of low emissions and steady electricity input for electrolysers, allowing large amounts of hydrogen to be produced.