Is hydrogen the Holy Grail in the quest for net zero?

In 10 seconds? Renewable energy sources are at the forefront as the world seeks to reach net zero and limit global warming to 1.5 - 2 °C. However, renewable infrastructure cannot reach these targets in time. Hydrogen is being touted as a transition fuel that could be used in the interim to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change.

OK, but why hydrogen? Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical in the universe, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels, especially because it doesn’t directly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions when it is burned to produce power. However, pure hydrogen is extremely rare, which means that hydrogen gas used for fuel must be produced from other compounds… and many of the techniques used have a carbon footprint. Many different types of hydrogencan be used, ranging from the most common, blue to green, and grey hydrogen, and then to pink, yellow, and even turquoise. Hydrogen is assigned a color based on how it is produced with black or brown hydrogen being the most environmentally damaging.