Don’t rush into a hydrogen economy until we know all the risks to our climate
There is global interest in the potential for a hydrogen economy, in part driven by a concern over climate change and the need to move away from fossil fuels.
A hydrogen economy could tap Australia’s abundant solar and wind energy resources, and provides a way to store and transport energy.
We must know more about this risk before we dive headlong into the hydrogen transition.
In the atmosphere, ozone and water vapour react with sunlight to produce what are known as hydroxyl radicals.
These powerful oxidants react with and help remove other chemicals released into the atmosphere via natural and human processes. Hydrogen reacts with hydroxyl radicals and, in doing so, reduces their concentration. Any hydrogen leaked into the atmosphere – such as during production, transport or at the point of use – could cause this reaction.
A hydrogen-based energy future may likely provide an attractive option in the quest for a zero-carbon economy. But all aspects of the hydrogen option should be considered in an holistic and evidence-based assessment.
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