The Magic Molecule's Role in Global Energy Transition
As we look to forge a path towards a net-zero future, hydrogen is being hailed as the "magic molecule" for its potential to support the world’s renewable energy targets.
We sat down with Richard Washington, Professor of Climate Science at the University of Oxford, and Chair of Extreme E's Scientific Committee to delve more deeply with some of hydrogen’s most important questions.
Q: Why is hydrogen known as the "magic molecule"?
A: Prof Richard: The word magic suggests that hydrogen is a solution without need of proof or development, which is inherently anti-science. More accurately I believe we are blessed with many gifts from nature of which hydrogen is one. That is perhaps the magic bit. Any further magic requires our careful ingenuity, hard work in technological development and, not least, finance.
Hydrogen has incredible potential as a versatile energy source. Hydrogen can be produced from water using electricity generated from renewables such as wind and hydro. When used in a fuel cell, the by-product is water vapour and so it is a fine example of clean energy. Its high energy density makes it ideal for powering energy intensive sectors in transportation over land and sea. There are also flexible ways to store and transport hydrogen. Balancing the peaks and troughs of electricity produced by intermittent renewables is also a key role, given the storage capabilities of the fuel. Simply put, hydrogen holds great promise for a sustainable future.
Q: We hear about many different colours of hydrogen. What are they and how different are they?
A: Prof Richard: Different types of hydrogen are classified by their production methods and environmental impact. At COP29, discussions will likely focus on the importance of “green hydrogen” while exploring the potential role of other types of hydrogen in the energy transition.
Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, making it the cleanest form of hydrogen. It’s expected to play a central role in future decarbonisation efforts, and is the hydrogen of focus for the new Extreme H championships.
Blue hydrogen is derived from natural gas with carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce emissions. Blue hydrogen serves as a potential transition fuel while green hydrogen technologies scale up.
Pink hydrogen comes from nuclear power. It is still emerging as a route to clean hydrogen.
Grey hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels and involves the release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. It is not a sustainable way of producing hydrogen.
Q: How is green hydrogen created?
A: Prof Richard: Green hydrogen is produced by using electricity generated from renewables like wind, solar and hydro, to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. The process of splitting water into oxygen and hydrogen is called electrolysis. Hydrogen gas is then captured and stored.
Q: How is green hydrogen used by Extreme E and Extreme H?
A: Prof Richard: Hydrogen technologies have been a central part of Extreme E since its inception. Electricity for the race site and for the cars from race one in Season 1 came from hydrogen. The power set-up has been tested from the remote environments of Greenland to the heat and dust of the Chilean Atacama and Arabian deserts.
Significant progress with this technology has been made year on year, putting us in fine stead for our transition to Extreme H.
As a championship which pushes the boundaries in sustainable innovation, Extreme H will utilise its racing platform to advance the technology and showcase its potential for global, everyday use that is cost effective, non-polluting and green.
Q: What are the health and environmental benefits of hydrogen compared to fossil fuels?
A: Prof Richard: Replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen in sectors like transport and industry offers substantial health and environmental benefits. Unlike traditional fossil fuels, hydrogen use in a fuel cell doesn’t release harmful pollutants - just water vapour. This switch can significantly reduce air pollution, particularly in built up cities and urban areas, which means better air quality and fewer health issues related to respiratory conditions. So, the impact of using hydrogen as a fuel isn’t only environmentally sound at a global scale, it’s also about improving local public health and quality of life.
Q: Hydrogen is often referred to as the "fuel of the future." What makes it so crucial in the context of COP29 and beyond?
A: Prof Richard: At COP29 and beyond, we anticipate a growing recognition and deployment of hydrogen as a sustainable fuel of the future. If harnessed effectively and through green routes, hydrogen could reshape our approach to energy and help us tackle the climate crisis head-on. It could make a key contribution to meeting targets agreed by the 2015 UN targets in Paris - namely limiting Earth’s warming to 1.5 degrees above pre- industrial levels.
Over the next two weeks at COP, we are hoping that hydrogen will be one of the most discussed and anticipated solutions for achieving net-zero emissions. From scaling green hydrogen production to building global infrastructure, COP29 will be an opportunity for world leaders and industry experts to set a clear path for hydrogen’s role in the energy transition. As hydrogen technologies evolve, we could see this “magic molecule” catalyse the changes needed to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future for generations to come.
Q: Why is a motorsport platform like Extreme H so important for hydrogen?
A: Prof Richard: Sports like Extreme H are far more than a thrilling spectacle. They are a crucial test bed for accelerating clean technologies, particularly hydrogen. There is nothing quite like the urgency of intense competition to drive fast progress.
In high-performance environments like motorsport, hydrogen fuel cells are pushed to their limits, exposing challenges and driving innovations that can reshape industries beyond racing. Through Extreme H, we are exploring how hydrogen can power not only vehicles but also a sustainable future for transport, energy, and heavy industry. It’s in these extreme conditions that we can most effectively advance hydrogen technology, bringing us closer to real-world solutions for the climate crisis.
