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The future of blue hydrogen: How can capturing carbon dioxide make hydrogen greener?
As global demand for sustainable energy increases, hydrogen's potential as a clean fuel is increasingly being recognized. Currently, most hydrogen on the market is produced from fossil fuels, especially natural gas. This method of production often results in large amounts of carbon dioxide emissions. However, with the advancement of technology, the concept of "blue hydrogen" has gradually emerged: using carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions, adding a layer of environmental protection to hydrogen production.
The production of blue hydrogen can not only reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but also help achieve the goal of energy transition.
Blue hydrogen and other hydrogen types
Hydrogen is usually classified into several colors depending on its production process. Within this color family, “grey hydrogen” is the mainstream source of hydrogen for most current markets, mainly produced through steam methane reforming (SMR). "Blue hydrogen" goes through the same process, but captures and stores the emitted carbon dioxide, thereby complying with low-carbon production standards. “Green hydrogen”, on the other hand, is produced through water electrolysis with renewable energy electricity, although the current cost is relatively high.
Status of current production methods
According to the latest report, low-carbon hydrogen (i.e. blue hydrogen and green hydrogen) will account for less than 1% of global captive hydrogen production by 2023. In 2020, approximately 87 million tons of hydrogen were produced globally, which was mainly used in petroleum refining, ammonia generation, and methanol production. The hydrogen market is expected to continue growing between 2023 and 2030 as market demand increases.
Hydrogen’s potential is not limited to the energy sector; its applications in a variety of industrial processes are equally important.
Technology and Challenges of Carbon Capture
Carbon capture technology (CCS) mainly refers to capturing carbon dioxide during combustion or industrial processes and then storing it or using it for other purposes. This technology plays a key role in the production of blue hydrogen. Although these technologies are already being used in some areas, their cost remains a challenge. According to relevant studies, the production cost of blue hydrogen is similar to that of gray hydrogen, but may increase slightly after adding CCS technology.
Economic feasibility of green hydrogen and blue hydrogen
Although the production process of green hydrogen is relatively expensive, as the technology continues to improve, production costs are likely to decrease significantly in the future. Experts predict that with the spread of renewable energy and the advancement of electrolysis technology, green hydrogen may play an increasingly important role in the global energy landscape.
As the global demand for reducing carbon emissions rises, the development of blue and green hydrogen will become an important driver of future energy transformation.
Market prospects and future development direction
According to market analysis, the industrial value of hydrogen will continue to rise in the near future. Market experts point out that with policy support and technological advancement, the production of low-carbon hydrogen will become a market trend. As the market demand for environmentally friendly products rises, the future of hydrogen has endless possibilities.
In the coming energy transition, the further development of blue hydrogen will be an important milestone. Will people be able to find a balance point in the future that makes the hydrogen production process both economical and environmentally friendly?
