Industrial Use Cases of Green Hydrogen: From Steel to Aviation
The push for a greener future is gaining momentum, and industries that once depended on fossil fuels are now searching for sustainable alternatives. Green hydrogen is stepping into the spotlight as a game-changing solution, offering a zero-emission energy source that can power heavy industries without harming the environment. From steel manufacturing to aviation, green hydrogen is transforming sectors that were previously seen as impossible to decarbonize.
But how exactly does it work, and what real-world applications are already in place? This blog explores how industries are embracing green hydrogen, the key technological developments, and the hurdles that still need to be overcome.
1. Green Hydrogen in Steel Production
Why Steel Production Needs a Green Revolution
Steelmaking is one of the most carbon-intensive industries, responsible for around 8% of global CO₂ emissions (International Energy Agency, 2023). Traditional steel production relies on coal-based blast furnaces, which release enormous amounts of carbon dioxide.
Green Hydrogen as a Game-Changer
With Hydrogen Direct Reduction (H-DRI) technology, hydrogen replaces coal in the steelmaking process, producing iron and water vapour instead of CO₂. This method could eliminate nearly all carbon emissions from steel production.
Case Study: Sweden’s HYBRIT Project
Sweden’s HYBRIT (Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology) project is pioneering fossil-free steel using green hydrogen. In 2021, SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall produced the world’s first batch of green steel, aiming to cut Sweden’s total emissions by 10% (SSAB, 2022).
Why It Matters
✔ Reduces carbon footprint in heavy industry.
✔ Attracts eco-conscious investors and customers.
✔ Encourages global adoption of clean steel technologies.
2. Green Hydrogen in Chemical Manufacturing
The Challenge: Dirty Hydrogen in Chemicals
Hydrogen is already widely used in the chemical industry, particularly for making ammonia (fertilizers) and methanol (plastics, fuel additives). However, about 96% of today’s hydrogen is derived from fossil fuels, creating massive CO₂ emissions (IEA, 2023).
Green Hydrogen in Ammonia Production
Switching to green hydrogen would allow for zero-carbon ammonia, which can be used in agriculture or as a clean energy carrier. Major companies like Yara and CF Industries are investing in green ammonia plants (Yara, 2023).
Green Hydrogen in Methanol Production
Methanol is a vital raw material for plastics, paints, and synthetic fuels. Companies like Maersk and OCI Global are working on green methanol production to cut emissions in the chemical industry (Maersk, 2023).
Why It Matters
✔ Decarbonizes fertilizer and plastics industries.
✔ Creates new markets for green ammonia exports.
✔ Can be used as a sustainable fuel alternative.
3. Green Hydrogen in Heavy Transport & Shipping
The Problem: Batteries Aren’t Enough
While electric vehicles (EVs) work well for cars, heavy-duty transport requires higher energy density solutions. Hydrogen fuel cells offer longer ranges and faster refueling than batteries, making them ideal for trucks, buses, and ships.
Hydrogen-Powered Trucks
- Companies like Daimler, Hyundai, and Nikola are developing fuel cell electric trucks (FCETs).
- Hyundai’s XCIENT hydrogen truck is already on the road in Switzerland, logging over 4 million km of commercial operation (Hyundai, 2023).
Hydrogen in Maritime Shipping
- Shipping accounts for 3% of global emissions, relying on highly polluting bunker fuels (International Maritime Organization, 2023).
- Green ammonia and methanol are being tested as alternative marine fuels by Maersk and NYK Line.
Why It Matters
✔ Enables long-haul, zero-emission transport.
✔ Provides clean alternatives to diesel and bunker fuel.
✔ Could be a game-changer for international trade routes.
4. Green Hydrogen in Aviation
Why Aviation Needs Hydrogen
Aviation contributes 2.5% of global CO₂ emissions, and battery-powered planes remain impractical for long-haul flights (Air Transport Action Group, 2023). Hydrogen fuel cells offer a realistic alternative.
Hydrogen-Powered Aircraft in the Making
- Airbus is developing its ZEROe project, aiming for hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035 (Airbus, 2023).
- Startups like Universal Hydrogen have tested H2-powered regional aircraft.
Why It Matters
✔ Revolutionizes aviation with clean fuel technology.
✔ Twice the energy density of batteries for longer flights.
✔ Could lead to a carbon-free aviation sector.
5. Green Hydrogen in Power Generation
Solving the Renewable Energy Storage Problem
Solar and wind energy are great, but they are intermittent. Green hydrogen provides a way to store excess renewable energy for use when demand is high.
Hydrogen Power Plants
- Companies like Siemens Energy, GE, and Mitsubishi Power are developing hydrogen-ready gas turbines.
- Germany is building the world’s first hydrogen-powered gas plant (Siemens Energy, 2023).
Why It Matters
✔ Balances renewable energy supply.
✔ Enables long-term energy storage.
✔ Reduces dependence on fossil-fuel power plants.
Overcoming Challenges in Green Hydrogen Adoption
Current Barriers
- High costs (~$4-6/kg, expected to drop to $1.5/kg by 2030).
- Limited infrastructure (few hydrogen refueling stations and pipelines).
- Policy uncertainty in emerging markets.
What’s Driving Change
- Government incentives (e.g., India’s National Green Hydrogen Mission, U.S. Inflation Reduction Act).
- Falling costs of electrolyzers and renewables.
- Innovations in hydrogen storage and transport.
Conclusion
Green hydrogen is reshaping industries that were once impossible to decarbonize. Whether in steel, chemicals, transport, aviation, or power, hydrogen’s potential is limitless. With governments, businesses, and innovators pushing for scalability and affordability, the hydrogen revolution is well underway.
At GreenH, we are committed to pioneering advancements in green hydrogen technology. Stay updated on the latest breakthroughs by subscribing to our newsletter or reaching out to us.
The future is hydrogen—be part of the change!