Production

To produce hydrogen, there are three main methods, depending mainly on the type of material used.

Today the main network for hydrogen production is from hydrocarbons: the technique of steam reforming separates hydrocarbons into two: hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2). This technique is only moderately attractive because of the use of fossil fuel. However, it has the advantage of channeling pollutants and to facilitate processing, (eg carbon dioxide sequestration).

Hydrogen can also be produce from water and an electric current. The water molecule us separated into its components: hydrogen and oxygen by the process of electrolysis.

The third method of hydrogen production obtained from biomass. Hydrogen is produced by a process called gasification. This method is attractive because the carbon footprint of this sector is very low. In fact, the gasification process releases an amount of CO2 which is equivalent to the intake of the plant during its life cycle.

Other solutions are more still under experimentation: hydrogen production from bacteria and microalgae. However, the future solution is electrolysis, which, backed by renewable electricity,  provides  the best economic and environmental opportunities.