The colour of hydrogen

Hydrogen is deemed the fuel of the future, but really, how sustainable is it? It all depends on the colour. Here’s our easy guide:

Green hydrogen

This is the most sustainable form of hydrogen. There are no carbon dioxide emissions at all. It uses electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy, such as wind or solar.

Blue hydrogen

The next best thing to green hydrogen, this is produced from natural gas via steam reforming. Water and carbon dioxide are by-products, but the carbon dioxide is trapped and stored via Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to comply.

Purple or pink hydrogen

Third and fourth on the scale, this hydrogen is produced via electrolysis powered by nuclear power.

Grey or black hydrogen

This hydrogen is produced from natural gas or methane via a process powered by fossil fuels. The carbon dioxide produced here is emitted into the atmosphere.

For advice on how to work more sustainably and to start using hydrogen on your projects, call us on 0333 533 0100 or email the team.