[ applications ]
of hydrogen . In heating applications , the use of hydrogen is less effective where it displaces relative low CI natural gas .
Best uses of green hydrogen
Any use that displaces a fossil fuel will reduce GHG emissions ; however , applications such as ammonia , fuel cell vehicles , and LH 2 delivery provide the greatest emission reductions per kilogram . Figure 3 demonstrates the displaced GHG emissions from green hydrogen uptake , based on the end-use application . The largest-diameter circle corresponds to greater emission reductions . while the smaller blue circles represent established uses where green hydrogen will have less of an impact .
A few components from the preliminary guidance on the requirements for Section 45V of the IRA are worthy of comment to ensure the best uses of green hydrogen achieve even greater uptake . These include the requirements for the three pillars of renewable power , matching choices of feedstocks , and considerations for indirect effects .
Achieving time-of-use additionality and regional location requirements for renewable power is an ideal goal pursued by many developers . A current challenge , however , is that such requirements are evolving , and developers will have difficulty in procuring renewable power in the near term due to current capacity constraints . A transition period , similar to the one allowed under the European Union rules for renewable fuels of non-biological origin ( RFNBOs ) would be appropriate ( EU Commission , 2023 ). The time horizon for EU producers is through 2045 , creating an unlevel playing field for U . S . producers constrained to an immediate requirement .
Matching also poses potential challenges as end users of green hydrogen may be unable to adjust their production processes to an intermittent flow of hydrogen based on available renewable energy .
Fig . 3 . The displaced GHG emission from green hydrogen depends on the end-use application .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 17 | August 2024 29