The Potential of Hydrogen as a Clean Fuel
Hydrogen, being the most abundant chemical element in nature, is a powerful fuel source that releases water in the form of vapor instead of producing carbon dioxide, making it a clean energy.
The obtaining of hydrogen has led to its classification according to its sustainability. Gray hydrogen, the most common today, is the least environmentally friendly as it depends on fossil fuels. On the other hand, blue hydrogen, although it also requires fossil fuels, emits less carbon, and pink hydrogen comes from electricity generated by nuclear reactors. The greenest option is green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy, which stands as a 100% sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, although obtaining it remains difficult and expensive, which limits its presence in the market.
Promotion of the European Union and Associated Countries
Various European countries, including Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, Italy, Slovakia and the Netherlands, are promoting investments with the European Union to promote the use of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel in the transport sector.
The European Union has provided financial support equivalent to 1.4 billion euros to activate the Important Project of Common European Interest (PIICE) ‘Hy2Move’, with the aim of promoting the hydrogen value chain in mobility and transport. This effort is part of the European commitment to the European Green Deal and the ‘Fitfor 55’ climate law, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, and make the European Union climate neutral by 2050.
Investments and Development in Spain
In Spain, various companies and institutions are involved in projects related to hydrogen. For example, the Generalitat in Catalonia is involved in projects that have hydrogen as the protagonist, and companies like Volvo have shown their commitment to sustainability by acquiring dealerships focused on hydrogen technology.
In addition, Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) has announced the purchase of 36 hydrogen buses, consolidating its commitment to sustainable public transport. Likewise, Talgo has replaced one of its long-distance trains with one with a hydrogen fuel cell and battery propulsion system.
For increasing adoption of this sustainable energy source to be possible, infrastructure is key. Currently, in Spain there are twelve private and eight public hydrogen stations in operation, with another twelve under construction. Extremadura is working to host the world’s first hydrogen station for high-speed trains. In addition, logistics for the transportation of hydrogen is advancing thanks to various studies that analyze its distribution through ports and coastal industrial areas.