The global push for cleaner energy systems has become an urgent priority, particularly as the climate crisis intensifies. Countries worldwide are setting ambitious targets to dramatically reduce carbon emissions in coming decades, with renewable energy concepts gaining widespread public acceptance. Yet a critical question remains: Can renewable sources meet all energy demands? The answer proves particularly complex for heavy transport, aviation, and heavy industry.

While electricity serves as a clean and efficient solution for most household and commercial needs, sectors like long-haul trucking and air travel present fundamentally different challenges. These industries require not simple electricity but energy-dense fuels that can be easily stored and transported. This is where hydrogen — specifically green hydrogen — enters the picture as a promising alternative.

The Green Hydrogen Advantage

Produced using renewable energy through water electrolysis, green hydrogen generates almost no greenhouse gas emissions during production or use, making it a truly clean energy carrier. However, despite its potential, current production costs remain prohibitively high for widespread adoption.

Existing hydrogen production methods — including steam methane reforming and coal gasification — are gradually being supplemented by water electrolysis. The typical two-step process involves: first, generating renewable electricity through solar, wind or other clean sources; then using that power to split water molecules. Each stage suffers efficiency losses, often yielding disappointingly small hydrogen quantities.

Current renewable-to-electricity conversion efficiencies range between 70-80%, with additional losses during electrolysis. The net result often falls far short of meeting heavy industry demands. Researchers worldwide are now racing to improve the economics of this process through technological breakthroughs.

Technological Frontiers

Emerging materials like silicon carbide (SiC) show particular promise in enhancing electrolysis efficiency. Studies demonstrate SiC's exceptional catalytic performance in both photocatalytic and electrolytic hydrogen production, potentially offering an economic breakthrough for green hydrogen.

Innovation extends beyond materials. Next-generation electrolyzers are achieving significant efficiency gains, while artificial intelligence optimizes production processes through real-time data analysis and energy management. These advances could dramatically reduce costs over time.

Policy Momentum and Industry Adoption

Governments are accelerating green hydrogen development through supportive policies. Several European nations have established commercialization targets and financial incentives to spur private investment. Many now consider hydrogen essential for achieving net-zero emissions.

Corporate adoption is growing as major companies begin transitioning operations. Heavy transport firms are testing hydrogen fuel cell technologies, with some achieving promising early results. In aviation, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) is actively exploring hydrogen-based solutions, with airlines and research institutions investing heavily in low-emission flight technologies.

Persistent Challenges

Despite progress, significant obstacles remain. Hydrogen's low density creates storage and transportation difficulties, requiring new materials and infrastructure designs. Building comprehensive hydrogen networks — from production facilities to refueling stations — demands massive capital investments with long payback periods, deterring some investors.

In heavy industry, hydrogen offers particular promise for steel manufacturing, a notoriously carbon-intensive sector. Several companies are developing hydrogen-based processes to replace coal in blast furnaces, potentially enabling low-carbon steel production when paired with renewable electricity.

A Sustainable Future

Green hydrogen's potential extends far beyond energy sector transformation. Its widespread adoption could prove pivotal in decarbonizing heavy transport, aviation, and industry — sectors where few clean alternatives exist. As technology advances and costs decline, hydrogen solutions once considered impractical may soon become commonplace.

The vision of hydrogen-powered buses, trucks, and personal vehicles traversing city streets moves closer to reality each year. While challenges remain, green hydrogen represents one of our most promising pathways toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.