Renewable Hydrogen: A Key to a Sustainable Future, Energy Storage, and Leadership in Green Solutions

Hydrogen electrolysis is the process where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen when a direct electrical current is applied to an electrolyser cell. When the process is powered by renewable power, the produced hydrogen is typically defined as renewable aswell.

An electrolyser unit consists of a large number of electrolyser cells, which in turn consist of electrodes, membranes, and electrolytes that can be solid or liquid.

The graphic shows the principle for the two main hydrogen production technologies, PEM and Alkaline.

Decarbonizing our economy is crucial for a sustainable future, and renewable-based electrification is a fast and efficient option for most sectors. However, certain industries like steel, fertilizers, high-temperature industrial heat, and transportation face limitations when it comes to electrification due to cost or technical issues.

To address this challenge, Sweden can turn to renewable hydrogen as a missing link to achieve a carbon-free economy. Renewable hydrogen is a powerful tool that can help reduce emissions in sectors where electrification is not feasible, enabling us to unlock a sustainable and prosperous future.

1. Carbon-free when powered with renewable electricity, compared to alternative fuels and traditional hydrogen. By avoiding carbon lock-in and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, we can work towards a more sustainable future.

2. Replaces fossil fuel in heavy transport vehicles, aviation, and maritime sector either as a fuel itself or through renewable hydrogen derivatives (such as E-methanol, SAF, and ammonia).

3. Feedstock for industry and is a sustainable option for the chemical and fertiliser industry.

4. Can serve as a substitute for coal in the iron and steel industry and as a reducing agent for other metals and products.

5. Taps into the vast wind and solar potential as well as other renewables to power our economy with renewable energy.

6. Balances the energy system: Excess electricity from wind and solar can be used to produce hydrogen for later use, at times of low wind and solar generation. This helps to balance the energy system and enhances Sweden’s energy security and resilience.

7. Creates sustainable jobs in Sweden for the generations to come.

8. This energy carrier can be stored long-term, distributed, and used as both a fuel and a feedstock.

9. It can serve as an energy distribution system and potentially replace the need for electricity grids in certain cases.

10. It could facilitate a more localised market for chemical, mining, and transportation industries, reducing dependence on coal and oil imports while enabling sustainable domestic production.

11. By recycling biogenic CO2 emissions from biofuels, it can generate valuable and sustainable hydrocarbon fuels such as E-methanol and aviation fuel.