One of the most closely watched alternative energy sources of this decade is"hydrogen energy,"often referred to simply as clean hydrogen. This new form of energy not only emits zero carbon during use, but also offers versatile applicationsfrom vehicles and power generation to heavy industry. It is considered a clean energy source worth keeping an eye on, pointing toward an interesting future direction in the adoption of hydrogen energy.

"Hydrogen Energy: A Leading Clean Energy Trend Worldwide"

At present, many countries around the world are moving toward carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Thailand is no exception, having set ambitious goals and promoting collaboration across all sectors to ensure these targets are achieved within the designated timeframe. One of the most closely watched energy sources — seen as a key driver of the energy transition and a promising alternative in the global shift toward cleaner solutions — is hydrogen.  

What is hydrogen ? 

The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning has provided interesting information stating that hydrogen is the lightest element and a component of water (H2O). In addition, it is present in the molecules of other compounds, such as hydrocarbons (HC). The general properties of hydrogen are that it is colorless, odorless, highly flammable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Hydrogen gas can be used as fuel for combustion and heat generation, or to produce electricity by feeding it into a fuel cell. Therefore, hydrogen is considered a highly significant energy source for the future. 

Why Is Hydrogen Recognized as a Clean Energy ?

Hydrogen is considered an “energy carrier” a type of medium that can store, transport, and convert energy from other sources, such as renewable energy, into electricity. 

• Fuel : When utilized in fuel cells or through combustion, hydrogen generates energy with emissions consisting solely of water and steam.
• Fuel cell : A fuel cell is a device that efficiently converts hydrogen into electricity via an electrochemical reaction, generating power, water, and heat without involving combustion. 

The transformation of hydrogen into energy generates no carbon emissions. Fuel cells are versatile and can be applied in various sectors, including transportation, backup power systems, buildings, and industrial facilities. Notable examples include hydrogen fuel cell vehicles such as the Toyota Mirai and Hyundai Nexo.

Understanding the Colors of Hydrogen: Properties and Applications of Each Type 

Although hydrogen is colorless and odorless by nature, you may have heard of hydrogen being categorized by "colors" — such as blue hydrogen, green hydrogen, grey hydrogen, and others. These color labels do not refer to the actual appearance of hydrogen, but rather to the different production methods. Each color classification indicates the source of carbon and the level of environmental cleanliness associated with its production process, as follows: 

Green Hydrogen

• Produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power.
• The entire production process emits no CO₂, which results in relatively high production costs along with other significant expenses. 
• It is the cleanest form of hydrogen and is highly anticipated as a key element in future energy systems leading toward sustainable clean energy 

Blue Hydrogen

• Also produced from natural gas using a process known as steam reforming, in which natural gas is combined with high-temperature steam. This process still generates CO₂ emissions; however, carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology is used to capture and contain the carbon dioxide.
• Emits less CO₂ than grey hydrogen.
• Recognized as a transitional solution toward clean energy.

Turquoise Hydrogen

• Produced through the pyrolysis of methane, which separates into hydrogen and solid carbon.
• If the energy used in the process comes from renewable sources, the resulting hydrogen can be nearly as clean as green hydrogen.

Pink Hydrogen

• Uses energy from nuclear power plants to split water.
• While it produces no CO₂ emissions, concerns remain about the safety and long-term sustainability of the upstream energy source.

In addition, there are other types such as Yellow Hydrogen, which uses electricity from a mixed-source power grid, and Brown/Black Hydrogen, which is produced from coal and results in very high CO₂ emissions. In the context of sustainable development, these types of hydrogen are generally not preferred. 

Grey Hydrogen

• Hydrogen produced through methane reforming using natural gas.
• CO₂ is released as a byproduct without any carbon capture or storage.
• It is currently the most widely used form of hydrogen in the world, produced from natural gas or methane through methane reforming, without the use of carbon capture and storage (CCS).
• Grey hydrogen is not classified as a clean energy source due to its high carbon emissions.

Why is hydrogen important? It is regarded as a new pathway toward sustainability." 

1. Hydrogen contains no carbon — it is carbon-free by nature.

Hydrogen is a carbon-free element. When used in fuel cells or combustion, it produces energy along with only water vapor, without emitting any greenhouse gases. This sets it apart from fossil fuels, which are a major contributor to global warming.

2. Hydrogen serves as a flexible energy carrier, capable of storing, transporting, and converting energy for various applications.

Hydrogen can "store" energy from various sources such as wind, solar, and nuclear power for later use — especially during periods when renewable energy production exceeds demand.

• Hydrogen provides a promising alternative for long-term energy storage, which is a challenge for conventional battery technologies.
• Hydrogen can be utilized during times of electricity scarcity, contributing to greater energy reliability and security.

3. Plays a key role in reducing carbon emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy industry.

In high-emission industries like steel, cement, and chemical manufacturing, hydrogen has the potential to directly substitute coal or natural gas, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

For example, the Swedish consortium Hybrit has pioneered the use of green hydrogen in steel production, completely eliminating coal use and reducing CO₂ emissions by more than 90%.

4. Hydrogen is particularly suitable for use in heavy transport and long-haul logistics, where battery-based solutions may be less efficient.

Hydrogen is considered a more suitable fuel than batteries for energy-intensive and long-duration applications such as trucks, ships, trains, and aircraft, due to several key advantages.

• Lightweight
• Faster refueling
• Longer range

Examples include the Toyota Mirai, Hyundai Nexo, Cellcentric hydrogen trucks, and Airbus experimental aircraft all of which are powered by hydrogen.

5. An important variable in advancing sustainability goals (SDGs) and achieving Net Zero by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
• SDG 13: Climate Action

Many countries, especially in Europe, Japan, South Korea, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, are actively pursuing the development of a Hydrogen Economy as a strategic pathway toward achieving net-zero emissions.

6. Unlocking new economic potential

• New businesses are emerging, such as hydrogen production plants, refueling station infrastructure, and transportation and storage systems.
• Countries with high green hydrogen production capacity are expected to become major exporters of clean energy — such as Australia, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia.

Hydrogen energy represents a key milestone in the transition to a global clean energy system. In particular, green hydrogen is anticipated to play a significant role in decarbonizing heavy industries, transportation, and electricity generation in the coming years.

Contact Us 

• Facebook : FDI Group – Business Consulting
• @fdigroup
• Phone : 02-642-6866, 02-642-6869, 02-642-6895
• E-mail : infojob@fdi.co.th
• Website : www.fdi.co.th