WEBVTT

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Hydrogen, or ‘H’ for short,

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has some real superpowers that can be used

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to reduce CO₂ emissions in industry.

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It carries a lot of energy and is by far

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the most abundant element in the universe.

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On Earth, however, hydrogen is mainly found

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in a bound state, for example in water.

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We can obtain it in its pure form through chemical processes.

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Depending on the type of process used to obtain it

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we assign different colors to hydrogen.

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For example, we call it gray hydrogen

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when it is produced using fossil fuels such as natural gas.

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Green hydrogen means that it is produced

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using only renewable energy –

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water is split into oxygen and hydrogen

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using electricity from the sun, wind or water.

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This separation is done by electrolysis.

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Direct current is passed through two electrodes into the water.

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Oxygen accumulates at the positively charged anode,

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while hydrogen is produced at the negatively charged cathode.

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The process results in twice as much hydrogen as oxygen.

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Since water is not a good conductor

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the current needs help to flow.

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With additives, you have to turn it into a lye.

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But it can also be done in a more environmentally friendly way,

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with pure water, thanks to PEM electrolysis.

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Here, a proton exchange membrane assists the movement

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of particles between the anode and cathode.

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This is how you get renewable, green hydrogen.

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An electrolyzer can stabilize electricity grids

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and balance power peaks when consuming power.

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In refineries, it enables the production

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of sustainable fuels and chemicals.

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In this context, the valuable green hydrogen is not burned

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but used to make more environmentally friendly products.

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Green hydrogen is an important contribution

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to meeting Europe's climate goals,

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strengthening our economy and protecting the environment.