La crisis del petróleo reaviva el interés por el hidrógeno limpio

The head of Air Liquide, François Jackow, has stated that the consequences of the Iran war have led governments worldwide to reconsider the use of expensive fuels. The crisis in the oil market this year has prompted governments globally to reevaluate clean hydrogen, despite it being more costly than traditional fuels. Jackow, speaking to the Financial Times, revealed that Air Liquide, based in Paris, had discussed the use of clean hydrogen as an alternative to fossil fuels with officials in Brussels, the EU capital, France, the Netherlands, Japan, and South Korea since the US and Israeli attacks on Iran sparked skyrocketing fuel prices.

Collectively, energy-importing countries spent over $100 billion on inflated fuel prices during the two initial months of the conflict, which underscores the urgency to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen is not only a way to decarbonize but also a key element in ensuring energy security, according to Jackow. The vast billions needed to accelerate the hydrogen ecosystem seem insignificant compared to the total cost of a crisis.

The overspend is attributed to the rising costs of importing fossil fuels and the cost of aid packages, such as tax cuts and subsidies. This is not the first time a petroleum emergency has spurred greater interest in hydrogen. A hydrogen-powered Cadillac participated in the inaugural parade of U.S. President Jimmy Carter in 1977 due to the Arab oil crisis.

The annual Hydrogen Council report, published on Thursday, indicates that $130 billion has been pledged for clean hydrogen projects, with 90% already in construction or operation. Two-thirds of surveyed executives from the sector agreed that energy security and resilience were the primary drivers behind the renewed interest in this fuel.

Hydrogen is widely used in refineries to convert crude oil into fuels and manufacture fertilizers, and it can also be used as energy storage and power vehicles. Most hydrogen is currently produced from natural gas through a process that emits carbon dioxide. The cleanest forms are produced by capturing and storing emissions or using renewable energy to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.

Green hydrogen is the most environmentally friendly version but also the most expensive to produce. Clean hydrogen can enable countries to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels while supporting the development of renewable energy sources like solar and nuclear power. However, not everything can be electrified, said Jackow. That's where hydrogen comes in for hard-to-electrify industries, such as refining and transportation, he added, noting that South Korea is interested in using hydrogen to power its bus fleet.

However, according to the Hydrogen Council, more than half of the current clean hydrogen capacity is located in China, and the industry is facing difficulties in other countries due to persistent cost issues. Jackow warned that China's growing interest could allow it to secure a dominant position unless Europe accelerates its plans.

The world has seen this movie before with electric vehicles, he said. We need to build multiple supply chains, need sovereignty and resilience.