Hydrogen, naturally colorless in its gaseous form, is classified into different “colors” based on the production method, each with a distinct environmental impact in terms of CO2 emissions. For instance, green hydrogen, produced entirely emission-free, as done by HydrogenPro, contrasts with brown hydrogen, which generates significant CO2 emissions.
Colors of Hydrogen
The world is facing an urgent need for a green transition. Nations, companies, and people are contributing in different ways. Many in small-scale. Some in large. HydrogenPro is among the latter.
We are focused on green hydrogen
Produced by using renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, or hydropower, unlike conventional hydrogen production methods which often rely on fossil fuels. Green hydrogen is produced with zero CO2 emissions and makes a critical tool in efforts to decarbonize industries and economies.
Brown hydrogen
Generated from coal gasification. The color designation depends on the type of coal used, with brown for lignite (brown coal) and black for bituminous (black coal). Without CCS, This process releases a high amount of CO2, contributing heavily to greenhouse gas emissions.
Grey hydrogen
Produced from natural gas using SMR but without carbon capture. This method results in significant CO2 emissions.
Blue hydrogen
Made from natural gas through e.g., the Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) process. Blue hydrogen production includes carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to capture and store the CO2 emissions produced in the SMR step. In short, blue hydrogen is grey with CCS.
Turquoise hydrogen
Produced through methane pyrolysis, this method splits methane into hydrogen and solid carbon. It is less common in use.
Yellow hydrogen
Refers to hydrogen produced via electrolysis using a mixed grid of renewable and non-renewable energy sources. The emissions profile varies depending on the energy mix.
Pink hydrogen
Created using electrolysis powered by nuclear energy. The term “pink” or “purple” is used depending on the region or context. It relies on nuclear power, which has its own set of environmental and safety concerns. CO2 footprint is similar to green hydrogen.
White hydrogen
Naturally occurring geological hydrogen, found in underground deposits. It is rare, often located in desolate areas, and not yet fully commercially exploited.