Hydrogen
Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is used to store and deliver energy. Traditionally, the process used to make hydrogen has been reliant on vast amounts of fossil fuels.
Today, we are moving away from grey and blue hydrogen (produced using very hot steam from fossil fuels) to renewable hydrogen (produced using renewable energy). Applications for renewable hydrogen include:
- fuelling transport
- making industrial chemicals
- providing industrial heat and power for mining and metals production
- storing and providing power.
Training the next generation of workers
Electricity industry veteran Peter Woodall is the Future Pathways Manager for public energy provider Stanwell. In helping to prepare the next generation of workers, Peter is particularly excited by the job opportunities in the renewable hydrogen sector. Learn more about Peter and other Queenslanders working for our energy transformation.
Where renewable hydrogen comes from
Renewable hydrogen is produced by a process called electrolysis. Renewable electricity, sourced from wind, solar or biomass, powers the electrolysis process that splits hydrogen from water. Hydrogen is used as a carrier, storing energy which can be converted into electricity or heat.
Hydrogen as liquid and gas
Hydrogen can be safely stored as both a liquid and a gas. At room temperatures, hydrogen is a gas and can be stored in high-pressure tanks. Hydrogen becomes a liquid when cooled to below –253°C.
Hydrogen as a clean energy source
One of the main advantages of renewable hydrogen is that it is considered a clean energy source. Unlike fossil fuels, which emit pollutants and greenhouse gases, hydrogen only produces water vapour when used as fuel in fuel cells.
Hydrogen's safety
Hydrogen is as safe as many of the fuels we currently rely on.
Hydrogen has been safely produced, stored, and moved around the world for several decades, mostly in the petroleum processing and fertiliser sectors, but also in food production, the space industry, and in industrial chemicals and metals.
There are existing standards in place to produce, store, transport and use hydrogen safely.
More information
- Read more about hydrogen in Queensland.
- Learn about other renewable energy technologies that make up Queensland’s SuperGrid.
- Last updated:
- 2 July 2024