Blue Hydrogen

Hydrogen is a clean fuel source, that when consumed in a hydrogen fuel cell produces electrical power.  Hydrogen can be extracted through several different processes, the most common being thermal extraction and electrolysis.   Thermal extraction typically works via a process called steam reforming, where steam reacts with a hydrocarbon (usually natural gas) to produce hydrogen and carbon dioxide.  Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology can be used to capture the carbon dioxide that is produced.  The thermal extraction process including CCS is commonly referred to as blue hydrogen. 

Green Hydrogen

Alternatively, electrolysis can be used to extract hydrogen by passing an electrical current through water which splits the molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.  It is possible for the electricity used in this process to be generated by renewable technologies.  When combined with renewable technology, the process of electrolysis for hydrogen generation is known as green hydrogen.  The UK government has recognised the potential of hydrogen for energy production and has developed a Hydrogen Strategy.  This strategy has outlined goals to set up 9000 jobs, unlock £4 billion investment, and produce 5GW of low carbon energy by 2030.

Hydrogen power production is not currently a major power source, but it will definitely play a key role in the UK’s future energy mix. More detail on the different technologies can be found in the video and illustration below:

The difference between blue and green hydrogen