Hydrogen: state of the art and directions of future use

Abstract

The use of hydrogen as one of the most promising areas of European Green Deal, i.e. the transition to a carbon-free economy (decarbonization) is considered. In the world energy sector, the problem of production and use of "green" hydrogen produced by electrolysis attracts considerable attention. Per 1m3 of electrolytic hydrogen consumes from 4 to 5kWh of electricity, despite the fact that it contains chemical energy of 3.0kWh. The calorific value of hydrogen is 3.3 times less than that of methane. Hydrogen properties such as wide explosive limits, high torch propagation speed, and corrosion activity against many metals require special measures during transportation, storage, and use. Economically justified technologies for the use of hydrogen do not yet exist. As one of the effective options are considered the prospects of transporting a mixture of hydrogen and natural gas by main and distribution pipelines. Most hydrogen projects are funded by a grant. The driver of hydrogen energy is the prevention of anthropogenic impact on climate change, which in itself is problematic. Bibl.9, Table 1.