Hydrogen, tiny atom, big future!

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What is hydrogen?

Hydrogen (H), whose chemical formula is H2, is an odourless, colourless and non-toxic gas. Omnipresent in nature, it is rarely available in its pure form; it is usually found in combination with other elements such as water (H2O), hydrocarbons or biomass.

This simple but powerful atom is also the smallest chemical element, making it number one on the periodic table. However, its energy density is impressive: 1 kg of hydrogen contains as much energy as 2.75 kg of petrol. This characteristic makes it a valuable asset in meeting today’s energy challenges.

Since the 19th century, hydrogen has been used to power lighting and rockets such as Ariane 5, but it is now back in the spotlight for its potential to meet environmental challenges.

Hydrogen to decarbonise

In our daily lives, we generate an average of 9.2 t CO2 eq per capita in France (2022), through transport, heating and industry. Hydrogen provides a solution to this problem by its ability to produce energy without releasing greenhouse gases. When it reacts with oxygen, in a fuel cell for example, it simply releases water in steam form.

The major energy challenges it can solve include:

  1. Sustainable mobility : with the help of fuel cells, hydrogen can be used as an engine for vehicles, particularly heavy goods vehicles, shipping and rail transport, where electric batteries are less suitable.
  2. Energy storage and transport : hydrogen can be easily compressed, transported and converted back into electricity through electrolysis to balance the peaks that occur with renewable energies.

Green hydrogen: a promising future

While 95% of the hydrogen produced today comes from fossil fuels, there are different types of hydrogen: grey hydrogen, blue hydrogen, yellow hydrogen and green hydrogen. Green’ hydrogen is distinguished by its entirely carbon-free production: it is produced by electrolysis of water using electricity generated exclusively from renewable energy sources. Although still costly, this solution is developing rapidly to meet sustainable energy needs.

Practical uses for hydrogen

1. Mobility and transport

Hydrogen-powered vehicles run on a fuel cell, where hydrogen is combined with oxygen to produce electricity. Hydrogen vehicles reject only water steam and offer similar performance to internal combustion engines, with rapid refuelling times and a long driving distance. Applications are particularly interesting for heavy duty transportation: ships, trains, trucks and buses.

2. Stationary uses

Hydrogen can also be used to supply buildings with electricity and heat. Its storage capacity makes it particularly useful for compensating the intermittent nature of renewable energies.

Clean and versatile, hydrogen is a response to climate and energy challenges, specifically green hydrogen. Despite a technology that remains expensive and a limited distribution network, hydrogen is a major component of the energy transition, and the French government is investing heavily to accelerate this subsidiary’s development.

Solyem, a key player in hydrogen solutions

At Solyem, we are proud to be actively contributing to the development of this market. Our gaskets, specifically designed for fuel cells, guarantee optimum performance. Not only do these gaskets ensure a perfect seal, they also provide a customised response to your needs. In partnership with major players in the development of hydrogen, we are actively working on a number of innovative projects. These partnerships reinforce our commitment to a sustainable energy transition.

Find out more about our hydrogen gaskets, from automotive to stationary energy applications : https://solyem.fr/e-mobilite/