What is green hydrogen?

Producing green hydrogen begins with water,⁽¹⁰⁾ known chemically as H₂O for its two hydrogen atoms per one oxygen atom. Using an electric current, through a process called electrolysis, the hydrogen and oxygen are split apart.⁽¹¹⁾ As long as the electricity comes from sustainable sources such as solar or wind power, the resulting hydrogen is clean and green.⁽¹²⁾

• Cost reduction – The World Hydrogen Council predicts that green hydrogen production costs will fall by 50% by 2030.⁽¹⁶⁾
• Job creation – According to McKinsey, the U.S. alone could generate $140 billion and support 700,000 jobs through the hydrogen economy.⁽¹⁷⁾
• Government support – From the U.S. Department of Energy; to the European Union’s Green Deal; to projects in Australia, Chile, Germany, Japan, and Saudi Arabia; to the united efforts of participants in the Paris Agreement, countries worldwide are investing millions, even billions, into green hydrogen.⁽¹⁸⁾
• Private support – Non-government entities are also actively seeking new ways to leverage green hydrogen. For example, with Breakthrough Energy, Bill Gates and colleagues are investing in research and development to accelerate the viability of green hydrogen as a fossil fuel alternative. The United Nations Green Hydrogen Catapult Initiative is working with seven major green hydrogen project developers to increase production and cut costs.⁽¹⁹⁾