[ad_1]
A review of dozens of academic articles on hydrogen as an alternative energy source found it to be unsuitable as a heating option.Photo by Andy Wren/EPA-EFE
September 27 (UPI) – As the UK economy struggles under the pressure of high energy bills, a review in Science Media has found that hydrogen, a powerful energy carrier and a darling for those supporting the transition from fossil fuels, is not suitable as an alternative to heating source.
Russian invasion Ukraine Added war premiums to the prices of major commodities such as wheat, crude oil and natural gas. This is a particular problem for European economies that rely heavily on Russian natural resources.
The UK economy may already be in recession, partly due to higher commodity prices.Guardian noticed on tuesday Hydrogen advocates have been busy pressuring the ruling Labour Party to do more to support the emerging technology to reduce overall emissions and improve affordability.
But reviewing 32 independent studies on hydrogen use, Posted Tuesday in peer-reviewed journals jouleand found that hydrogen is not suitable for heating.
“In contrast, independent research available so far suggests that hydrogen for home heating is less economical, less efficient and more resource-intensive than other alternatives such as heat pumps, solar thermal and district heating. high and associated with greater environmental impact,” wrote the review’s lead author Jan Rosenow.
The characteristics of the hydrogen production process are Chromatography. Most hydrogen today is called “grey” hydrogen, which utilizes methane, a compound containing four hydrogen atoms. However, this emits greenhouse gases.
“Blue” hydrogen still uses natural gas, but includes ways to capture emissions. Meanwhile, “green” hydrogen uses renewable energy to power so-called electrolyzers that split water into hydrogen and oxygen, but critics say this energy will be used more efficiently in other applications.
“So-called blue hydrogen can never be zero carbon,” Rosenow added.
Rosenow, the European director of the Regulatory Assistance Project, told the Guardian that hydrogen seemed at first glance an attractive alternative because it was the most abundant element in the universe.
“The reality is that major technological overhauls are required, including plumbing in homes, and people are spending a lot of money on heating,” he told the paper.
But hydrogen technology is gaining popularity in sectors such as the aviation and maritime industries, which are obligated to reduce their emissions under a UN-backed deal.
James Earle, head of gas at the UK Energy Networks Association, took a measured approach. He told the Guardian that no other option is perfect and no single technology can decarbonise the economy.
“We need to look at hydrogen, electrification and other technologies as part of the mix,” he said.
[ad_2]
Source link