PROJECT UPDATE

Feature Story

Black Hydrogen

Hydrogen is often called the “clean fuel of tomorrow.” But not all hydrogen is clean. A large share of hydrogen today is still produced from coal, a process known as “black hydrogen.” While it may appear cheap, its hidden costs to the climate, ecosystems, and economies are enormous.

What is black hydrogen?

Black hydrogen is made through coal gasification, where coal reacts with steam and oxygen at high temperatures to produce hydrogen. The downside is that for every kilogram of hydrogen produced, over 20 kilograms of CO₂ are released. Without efficient carbon capture, this process becomes one of the dirtiest ways to make hydrogen.

Why does it persist?

Coal-based hydrogen remains used because existing infrastructure: railways, power plants, mining systems, makes it easier and cheaper to continue. Weak regulations, low carbon prices, and high industrial demand (for products like ammonia and methanol) also keep black hydrogen in the energy mix.

The hidden costs

Beyond emissions, coal extraction damages land, water, and air quality, while disturbing ecosystems and releasing methane. These impacts add to the true cost of black hydrogen, which undermines global climate goals.

A way forward

The solution lies in stronger regulations, transparent hydrogen labeling, and fair carbon pricing. At the same time, scaling up green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, will make the clean alternative cheaper and more accessible. Supporting coal-dependent regions in the transition will also ensure no one is left behind.

Where is Hydrogen Energy Found?

Hydrogen energy is not found in a natural state like fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas. Instead, hydrogen is produced through various methods, and it can be derived from a variety of sources. Here’s a breakdown of where hydrogen energy comes from:

Production from Water (Electrolysis)

Hydrogen can be generated through a process known as electrolysis, which involves splitting water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity. In this method, an electrical current is passed through water, causing it to undergo a chemical reaction that separates the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.

Production from Fossil Fuels (Steam Methane Reforming)

Steam methane reforming (SMR) is the predominant method of hydrogen production globally, particularly in industrial settings. In this process, natural gas (methane – CH4) undergoes a chemical reaction with steam at high temperatures to produce hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2).

Biomass Conversion

Hydrogen production from biomass offers a sustainable and renewable alternative to fossil fuel-based methods. Through processes such as gasification or pyrolysis, biomass materials such as organic waste, agricultural residues, or dedicated energy crops are transformed into hydrogen-rich gases through thermal or chemical reactions.

Other Renewable Sources

In addition to water electrolysis, hydrogen can be produced from a variety of renewable sources, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuel-based methods. These renewable sources include biomass, geothermal energy, and excess electricity generated from renewable sources such as solar and wind.

Geothermal Energy

Geothermal energy, derived from the Earth’s heat, can be used to extract hydrogen from water through geothermal electrolysis.

Industrial Processes

Hydrogen is a byproduct of various industrial processes, including petrochemical refining, ammonia production, and steel manufacturing.

Biological Processes

While still in the research stage, biological hydrogen production holds potential for sustainable and environmentally friendly hydrogen production in the future.

H2Heat Spotlight Series

A CONVERSATION WITH MAEL KENEALLY

As part of our Partner Spotlight series, we sat down with Mal Keneally, Electrical Design and Automation Engineer at NeoDyne, to learn more about the company’s role in the H2Heat project and its vision for green hydrogen solutions.

READ THE FULL INTERVIEW →

The H2Heat Project

Hydrogen for Hospital

At H2Heat, our vision is clear, a future where sustainable energy powers every aspect of our lives. We are excited to introduce you to the H2Heat project that is transforming the landscape of energy consumption and environmental responsibility.

Our commitment extends beyond technology. We are dedicated to creating a replicable model for H2 adoption, fostering sustainable business models, and creating wide-scale commercial use of hydrogen as a direct heating alternative across the Canary Islands.

By leveraging the collective expertise of our consortium partners, we’re not just realising technical goals; we’re lowering the total cost of H2 ownership and creating a blueprint for a greener future.