Hydrogen, hailed as a zero-carbon energy source in the fight against climate change. Proponents depict hydrogen as a miraculous solution, but it is essential to examine the obstacles and costs associated with its widespread adoption. Moreover, we must recognize the potential harm to vulnerable communities and the diversion of resources from proven climate technologies.

The Illusion of “Green” Hydrogen:
Despite the claims of fossil fuel corporations, the reality is that the majority of hydrogen energy currently comes from fracked gas, which raises significant concerns about its cleanliness. Approximately 95% of hydrogen is produced from natural gas or other fossil fuel bases. However, even if hydrogen is produced from renewable energy at scale, hydrogen fuel cells are far less efficient than renewable-powered batteries, making hydrogen a costly alternative to renewable-based electric power.

Water Consumption and Climate Impact:
One of the hidden costs of “green” hydrogen lies in its substantial water consumption. Each megawatt-hour of hydrogen produced consumes at least 5,000 liters of water throughout its life cycle, placing additional strain on already vulnerable water supplies. Compared to solar and wind energy, which have significantly lower water requirements, hydrogen’s thirst for water exacerbates water scarcity issues and intensifies the impacts of the ongoing megadrought in regions like California. Moreover, the small molecular size of hydrogen increases the likelihood of leakage, with potentially severe consequences. Hydrogen molecules have a global warming potential 11 times greater than carbon dioxide, magnifying the climate impact if leaks occur.

Safety Concerns and Environmental Justice:
Hydrogen poses inherent health and safety risks, being highly volatile and flammable. The infrastructure associated with hydrogen pipelines has already experienced explosions, posing significant dangers to nearby communities. Furthermore, the storage of hydrogen as ammonia, a hazardous chemical, raises concerns about potential accidents and the associated public health risks. The proposal to blend hydrogen with methane for home heating, instead of electric heating, not only proves inefficient but also results in higher nitrogen oxide pollution levels compared to burning fracked gas. This pollution exacerbates respiratory illnesses and disproportionately affects frontline communities, which have already borne the brunt of environmental injustices.

The Greenwashing of Dirty Energy Companies:
Many of the dirtiest polluters are heavily investing in “green” hydrogen projects as a means of greenwashing their expansion of pipelines or power plants. These companies have a track record of downplaying the dangers of climate change and lobbying against climate action. Trusting these entities with the clean energy future poses risks, as they may utilize hydrogen subsidies and rate hikes to fund their expensive projects, further burdening taxpayers and consumers.

Investing in Proven Climate Solutions:
While hydrogen may have niche applications, relying on it as a major power source is not a viable solution to the climate crisis. Instead, investing in demand response, energy efficiency, and the electrification of wind, solar, and geothermal energy sources offers more cost-effective, efficient, and environmentally friendly solutions. These alternatives not only mitigate climate change but also create numerous clean energy and climate jobs, ensuring a just transition that benefits everyone.

It is crucial to approach “green” hydrogen with a critical lens, considering its drawbacks, risks, and potential for greenwashing. Rather than diverting resources and attention to hydrogen, we must focus on proven climate technologies that offer cleaner, more efficient, and safer solutions. By embracing a 100% renewable energy transition and addressing environmental injustices, we can combat the climate crisis while ensuring a sustainable future for all.