Hydrogen Innovation

Hydrogen 101

Hydrogen is the simplest and most abundant element in the universe.  On Earth, hydrogen is rarely found in its pure form; instead, it’s typically found in compounds such as water (H2O) or fossil fuels like methane (CH4). 

For decades, hydrogen has been used as a chemical feedstock in industrial applications, manufacturing, and technology operations, including the production of ammonia for agriculture and oil refining. But hydrogen is also a carbon-free energy carrier, which means that it can store, move, and deliver energy. When used as a fuel, its only byproduct is water vapor. 

Currently, most of the hydrogen used today comes from natural gas as a feedstock that undergoes a chemical process called Steam Methane Reformation (SMR). This hydrogen production process releases carbon dioxide (CO2) as a byproduct.  

However, hydrogen can also be produced through other “clean” pathways, for example using water as a feedstock. A process called electrolysis uses electricity to split water (H2O) into pure oxygen and hydrogen. When clean electricity (such as solar or wind) is used, the process can be completely carbon-free.  

Hydrogen gas can be stored in pressurized containers, such as small cylinders or large tanks, in pipelines, or even underground in specialized geologic formations. Like natural gas, hydrogen can be stored in large volumes for long periods, which makes it an excellent tool for supporting energy resiliency.