Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, and highly combustible element. Although naturally occurring, it does not exist in isolation but is found in conjunction with other elements, such as in water (H2O), which consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Before hydrogen can be used as a fuel, it must undergo a separation process known as electrolysis.
The concept of using hydrogen as a fuel source has been around for over a century. In 1839, Sir William Grove, a Welsh scientist, developed the first crude fuel cell, known as the "gas battery." This early invention demonstrated the possibility of generating electricity by combining hydrogen and oxygen. However, it was not until the 20th-century space race that fuel cells began to be seriously developed and utilized. In 1950, Tom Bacon invented the first practical hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, which NASA used to provide electrical power on spacecraft, notably in the Apollo missions, due to their high energy density and the production of drinkable water as a by-product.
Electrolysis involves using electricity—either from renewable sources or fossil fuels—to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This process requires a special kind of water containing salts and minerals to conduct electricity effectively. An electrolyser, the technical equipment used for this process, divides the hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
Once produced, hydrogen must be channelled into a device called a fuel cell, where it combines with oxygen from the air to generate electricity. The by-product of this reaction is water, making it a clean energy conversion method.
The journey to green hydrogen is more recent, driven by growing awareness of climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity, making it a clean and sustainable energy source. This hydrogen can be stored in large volumes in underground caves or in smaller volumes in storage tanks until needed, providing a flexible and environmentally friendly energy solution.
Forms of Hydrogen
The primary difference among all these forms of hydrogen is the energy source used during electrolysis.
Table 1: Forms of Hydrogen
| Forms of Hydrogen | Energy Source for Electrolysis | Environmental Impact |
| Green Hydrogen | Renewable Electricity | No gas emissions released |
| Blue Hydrogen | Fossil Fuel | Gases are captured and stored |
| Pink Hydrogen | Nuclear Energy | Gas emissions are released |
| Gray Hydrogen | Fossil Fuel | Gas emissions are released |
| Yellow Hydrogen | Solar Energy | No gas emission released |
Green and yellow hydrogen are the best forms because renewable electricity is used for the electrolysis process ensuring net zero carbon emissions throughout the production cycle.
Green Hydrogen Production – Risks and Mitigation Measures
As the world increasingly turns to green hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution, it is essential to understand the associated risks and the strategies to mitigate them effectively.
| S/N | Potential Risks | Mitigation Measures |
| 1. | Green hydrogen is highly flammable in nature with its flames almost invisible. | Special Flame detectors can be put in place to detect almost invisible flames. |
| 2. | Green Hydrogen consumes more energy during electrolysis in comparison to other hydrogen forms. | |
| 3. | There are potential hazards relating to explosion incidents. | The introduction of a robust risk management protocol will help mitigate potential hazards. |
| 4. | The leakages in the storage tanks can lead to a reduction in production and dispensing of the hydrogen. | Tests need to be conducted to check for potential leakages in tanks and garages. |
Case Study of Green Hydrogen Projects
We have considered two countries that have implemented significant green hydrogen projects: Germany, a leader in renewable energy, and Japan, a pioneer in hydrogen technology.
Germany
Germany is at the forefront of green hydrogen development, particularly with the Wunsiedel Green Hydrogen Plant. The power plant located in Wunsiedel, Upper Franconia, Germany, currently has a capacity of 8.75 megawatts, with plans to expand to 17.5 megawatts. Operated by Siemens, a German technology company, it utilizes renewable energy to power a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser called the Siemens Energy Silyzer 300.
This facility produces up to 1,350 tons of green hydrogen annually. The hydrogen serves various industrial and commercial enterprises, including the glass, ceramics, automotive, and transport sectors, enabling the operation of 400 hydrogen-powered trucks annually without CO2 emissions. The plant highlights the successful integration of hydrogen production with renewable energy sources and contributes significantly to regional energy independence and industrial decarbonization.
Japan:
Japan is leading in green hydrogen through projects such as the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R). Located in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, the FH2R power plant has a capacity of 10 megawatts and began operations in 2020. Utilizing solar power for electrolysis, it produces green hydrogen as part of Japan's strategy to promote a hydrogen-based society.
The hydrogen produced supports fuel cell vehicles (FCVs), power generation, industrial processes, and provides a stable energy supply for the region, enhancing disaster resilience. The project highlights several key lessons: the role of hydrogen production in disaster recovery and regional resilience, Japan's leadership in fuel cell technology and large-scale hydrogen production, and the importance of strong governmental support and strategic planning for successful hydrogen initiatives.
Prospects for Green Hydrogen in Nigeria
As of 2024, Nigeria has not yet initiated large-scale green hydrogen production, despite its significant potential due to abundant renewable energy resources, especially solar. However, in 2021, Nigeria exported $70.1k worth of hydrogen to neighboring countries such as Benin, the Republic of Congo, and Niger. Additionally, the Port Harcourt Cluster has utilized hydrogen for refining and producing ammonia and methanol, although this was not green hydrogen. This usage demonstrates that Nigeria has experience with hydrogen applications.
The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation, is now advocating for green hydrogen as a sustainable energy alternative. The ministry aims to develop a national policy framework for green hydrogen production. Currently, the cost of producing green hydrogen in Nigeria is estimated to be between 3,292 and 4,938 naira per kg, which is significantly higher than the cost of electricity from natural gas. This high cost poses a major challenge for large-scale green hydrogen deployment in the short term. To unlock its green hydrogen potential, Nigeria needs substantial investments in large-scale solar, wind, and hydropower projects above 50 megawatts.
There are several programs and initiatives exploring green hydrogen in Nigeria today. They include:
- Nigeria 4H2 Project (Nigeria for Hydrogen): This project aims to develop a national policy for green hydrogen and promote cooperation among key players in the hydrogen industry.
- Impact Hydrogen: This organization is working with local partners to create a Hydrogen Valley in Nigeria, focusing on sustainable water management, and ensuring benefits for the local community.
- Africa Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA): Nigeria has joined the AGHA to lead green hydrogen efforts in West Africa and support the growth of the green hydrogen economy.
Conclusion
Setting up electroyzers for green hydrogen production is not a one day’s job neither is it supposed to be mishandled because hydrogen itself is highly inflammable nature. But this does not stop the fact that it is a clean form of energy that uses renewable electricity for its electrolysis, making it more suitable than other forms of hydrogen.
Nigeria can grasp the full potential of hydrogen and contribute to climate change mitigation as we are steadily climbing the ladder. The European countries have proven that in fact green hydrogen can be used if proper measures are put in place and they are gradually pushing the adoption of it to the world as it ensures the reduction of fossil fuels usage.
