'Green' Hydrogen Produces 37 Times More Global Warming Than Carbon Dioxide

Recent claims suggest that 'green' hydrogen may produce 37 times more global warming than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period. This assertion is based on a study indicating that hydrogen, when oxidized, leads to the formation of greenhouse gases such as tropospheric ozone and stratospheric water vapor. The combustion of hydrogen also generates nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant linked to health issues like childhood asthma. Critics argue that hydrogen's properties make it an ineffective decarbonization tool, as it leaks more readily than natural gas and poses significant safety risks. The paper from the Environmental Defence Fund highlights the challenges of integrating hydrogen into existing natural gas systems, noting that blending hydrogen with natural gas yields only minor reductions in CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the manufacturing processes for hydrogen are fraught with challenges, and no production method is universally beneficial for the climate. The Royal Society has previously dismissed batteries as a viable solution for energy storage, leading to a reliance on hydrogen, which requires extensive infrastructure and poses environmental risks. Overall, the article argues that there is currently no cost-effective and reliable alternative to hydrocarbons, warning of potential energy shortages if current policies continue.

- 'Green' hydrogen may contribute significantly to global warming, more than previously thought.

- Hydrogen combustion produces harmful pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide.

- Integrating hydrogen into existing gas systems presents major safety and environmental challenges.

- Current hydrogen production methods face significant climate-related challenges.

- There is no viable alternative to hydrocarbons for energy needs in the near future.