Hydrogen

Hydrogen is becoming an indispensable link in our future sustainable energy system. This energy carrier can be used both as a raw material and as a fuel. It is also easy to store and transport. It is expected that at least 20% of our future energy supply will consist of hydrogen. The Netherlands has an extra head start in this respect. With limited modifications, we can make the existing natural gas infrastructure suitable for hydrogen.

Hydrogen (H₂) is the smallest element in our periodic system. It is also the most common element in our universe. However, hydrogen does not occur as a separate element in nature, but only in combination with other elements. A sustainable way to produce hydrogen is to separate water (H₂O) into oxygen (O₂) and hydrogen (H₂) using green electricity. Other sources of hydrogen are methane (CH₄) and natural gas (which consists largely of methane).