What is green hydrogen, the fuel of the future?
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Green, or renewable or low-carbon hydrogen refers to the production of hydrogen generated by renewable energies with low carbon emissions, which several countries are betting on developing to make it a kind of fuel of the future that could replace oil. Hydrogen is present in almost all matter, from stars, which use it as fuel to produce their brightness, to rocks and oil. It also plays a very important role in living things: together with oxygen, it forms water. It is the most abundant molecule in the universe, but it is not available on its own, so energy must be consumed to produce it, i.e. it cannot be taken directly from nature in its pure state and needs to be "manufactured". Historically, hydrogen has been obtained using fossil fuels, but green hydrogen is produced by electrolysis from renewable sources, more environmentally friendly, and consists of the decomposition of water molecules (H2O) into oxygen (O2) and hydrogen (H2). This method uses electric current to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in the water, so if this electricity is obtained from renewable sources, energy is being produced without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. It is therefore a great ally for decarbonizing certain sectors, such as the chemical industry, or some industrial sectors that consume more electricity (such as steel and cement), aviation and maritime transport. Decarbonization of the planet is one of the goals that countries around the world have set themselves for 2050. The production of hydrogen in general and green hydrogen in particular requires more energy than other fuels, and it is a highly volatile and flammable element that requires high levels of safety to prevent leaks and explosions. Hydrogen is currently stored in a liquid state - in special tanks at very low temperatures - or under high pressure. SPC/MG/AMR NA