Why should we consider water electrolysis to produce hydrogen?
Hydrogen produced through the electrolysis of water can result in zero greenhouse gas emissions, depending on the source of the electricity used. When assessing the benefits and economic feasibility of producing hydrogen through water electrolysis, the source of the required electricity must be considered, including its cost and efficiency and the emissions from electricity generation. In many areas of the country, today's power grid is not suitable for delivering the electricity needed for electrolysis due to the greenhouse gases released and the inefficiency of the electricity generation process. For renewable (wind) and nuclear energy options, hydrogen production through electrolysis is being pursued. These pathways result in virtually zero greenhouse gas emissions and emissions of standard pollutants.
Potential for synergy with renewable energy generation
Hydrogen production through electrolysis may provide opportunities for variable generation synergies, a characteristic of some renewable energy technologies. For example, although the cost of wind energy continues to fall, the inherent variability of wind hinders its efficient use. Hydrogen fueling and generation can be integrated within wind farms, allowing production to be flexibly shifted to match resource availability to system operational needs and market factors. Likewise, in times of excess power generation from wind farms, rather than reducing electricity production as usual, this excess electricity could be used to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.