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In a world racing toward net-zero emissions, hydrogen has emerged as a quiet giant—clean, powerful, and full of potential. As the UK targets 10 GW of low-carbon hydrogen production by 2030, understanding the basics of the hydrogen supply chain has never been more important. Whether you’re a student, researcher, policymaker, or just an energy enthusiast, this blog will guide you through the fascinating world of hydrogen—its journey from production to end-use—and why it’s making headlines globally.
Imagine a relay race: hydrogen is the baton passed through several hands—from production, through storage and distribution, all the way to end-use in homes, vehicles, and industries. Each stage is critical and comes with its own set of technologies, challenges, and innovations.
Hydrogen isn’t found freely in nature—it must be extracted. There are several methods:
| Hydrogen Type | Production Method | CO₂ Emissions | Sustainability | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green Hydrogen & Pink H2 | ||||
| 🌱 | Electrolysis using renewable (Green) /nuclear energy (Pink) | Zero emissions | ✅ Most sustainable | 💲💲💲 (Expensive) |
| Blue Hydrogen | ||||
| 🔵 | Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) + Carbon Capture | Low emissions (CO₂ is captured and stored) | ⚠️ Less sustainable than green | 💲💲 (Moderate) |
| Gray Hydrogen | ||||
| ⚪ | Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) from natural gas | High emissions (CO₂ released) | ❌ Not sustainable | 💲 |
| (Cheaper) | ||||
| Brown Hydrogen 🟤 | Coal gasification | Very high emissions | ❌ Least sustainable | 💲 (Cheapest) |
The UK already has 157 hydrogen production projects in motion, mainly across Scotland, Northeast England, and the Midlands.
Before hydrogen moves ahead, it must meet strict standards: