What is Pink Hydrogen and How It Can Be Part of the Green Transition to Replace Fossil Fuels

• Pink Hydrogen appears as an option for diversifying the energy matrix, reducing dependence on fossil fuels;
• Pink Hydrogen can help in challenging sectors for electrification, such as aviation and heavy industry, facilitating decarbonization;
• Pink Hydrogen differentiates itself as a reliable additional source due to its immunity to fluctuations in fossil fuel markets, and its potential for large-scale energy storage using nuclear power.

Hydrogen, the most abundant chemical element in the universe, is not found naturally in its free form and therefore needs to be produced. It is recognized as an energy vector, having the ability to store energy for later release.

From hydrogen, it is possible to obtain electrical, mechanical or thermal energy, without CO2 emissions and with great efficiency. Furthermore, its application extends to the production of high-value chemicals such as ammonia and methanol.

 

 

What is Pink Hydrogen?

The choice of the color of hydrogen is not merely aesthetic but a way to differentiate its sources, emphasizing the commitment to the environment.

In addition to pink hydrogen, there are other colors such as green – produced through renewable energies, blue through gas, while pink raises intriguing questions as it is produced through nuclear energy. Other existing colors, such as gray and yellow, signal more complex challenges.

Green hydrogen takes the lead in this green narrative. Derived from water electrolysis, this process becomes even more sustainable when powered by renewable sources such as solar or wind energy. Zero CO2 emissions, and even the generated oxygen is returned to the atmosphere. Despite the higher initial cost, there are companies that are betting on this clean and efficient path.

If we consider green hydrogen as the best, blue hydrogen comes in second place in terms of being less polluting. In blue hydrogen, hydrogen is extracted from methane gas but in a more environmentally friendly way. However, in blue hydrogen, CO2 emissions are captured and do not go into the air, which greatly helps reduce the environmental impact. Although not as eco-friendly as green hydrogen, it is still a step in the right direction.

Pink hydrogen, on the other hand, results from electrolysis with electricity generated in nuclear power plants. An atomic approach in the pursuit of clean energy, but one not without controversies. The pink color highlights a less-explored path, full of its own advantages and challenges.

10 areas where hydrogen can be used as an energy source

Hydrogen produced with electricity generated in nuclear power plants is a proposal that can play a significant role in safety and energy transition. Here are some important aspects:

 

1. Diversification of the Energy Matrix: Pink hydrogen represents a diversified approach to hydrogen production, adding an option to the existing methods. This is crucial to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and diversify energy sources.
2. Emission Reduction: If produced efficiently, pink hydrogen can contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions since electricity generated in nuclear power plants is free of CO2 emissions during generation.
3. Supply Security: Pink hydrogen can play a role in energy security by providing an additional energy source not subject to fluctuations in fossil fuel markets or climate issues such as the presence of wind and sun.
4. Potential for Energy Storage: The ability to produce pink hydrogen from nuclear electricity can offer a solution for large-scale energy storage, helping to deal with the intermittency of renewable energies.
5. Contribution to Decarbonization: Pink hydrogen can be a crucial piece in the decarbonization puzzle, especially in sectors difficult to directly electrify, such as aviation and heavy industry.
6. Technological Development: Investing in pink hydrogen technologies can drive technological advancements and innovation in electrolysis and nuclear systems, contributing to sustainable development.
7. Low Carbon Approach: The production of pink hydrogen can be considered a low-carbon option, provided nuclear energy is managed safely and sustainably, addressing issues related to nuclear waste management and safety.
8. Energy Self-Sufficiency: Pink hydrogen can aid in the pursuit of energy self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on foreign energy sources.
9. Integration with Other Energy Sources: It can be integrated with other forms of energy, such as solar and wind, to create a more resilient and balanced energy matrix.
10. Sustainable Transport Driven by Pink Hydrogen: The use of pink hydrogen offers innovative solutions for sustainable transport. From hydrogen vehicles and aviation to refueling infrastructure, this clean energy source not only reduces emissions but also contributes to the diversification of the energy matrix, promoting autonomy, efficiency, and innovation in the transportation sector.

Key Countries with Potential for Pink Hydrogen Production

Some nations with considerable nuclear capabilities and a growing interest in hydrogen technologies may have the potential to explore pink hydrogen production. Here are some countries that could be considered:

• France: France is known for its significant nuclear capacity and has invested in research on hydrogen technologies. About 70% of electricity generated in France is through nuclear power plants.
• Japan: Japan is a country seeking to diversify its energy sources and has a proactive approach to hydrogen. It has nuclear technology and a strong interest in hydrogen vehicles.
• South Korea: South Korea is investing in hydrogen technologies and is a major player in the nuclear energy industry.
• China: China is increasing its efforts toward a hydrogen economy and has significant nuclear energy capacity, being the country most expanding its nuclear energy production capacity with several reactors under construction.
• United Kingdom: The UK has ambitious emission reduction goals and is exploring different forms of hydrogen production, including the use of nuclear electricity. The Hinkley Point C nuclear power station (HPC) is under construction.

What is the potential importance of Pink Hydrogen in safety and energy transition?

Diversification of the Energy Matrix:

Pink hydrogen, derived from nuclear electricity, represents a crucial approach to diversifying the energy matrix. This resource adds a valuable layer to the existing methods, playing an essential role in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and expanding energy sources.

Emission Reduction:

Produced efficiently, pink hydrogen stands out for its potential contribution to reducing carbon emissions. Electricity generated in nuclear power plants is inherently free of CO2 emissions during generation, making it an environmentally friendly alternative.

Supply Security:

 

In the scenario of energy security, pink hydrogen emerges as an additional reliable source, immune to fluctuations in fossil fuel markets. Its production from nuclear electricity provides stability in energy supply, reducing vulnerability to external events.

Potential for Energy Storage:

The ability to produce pink hydrogen from nuclear electricity offers a promising solution for large-scale energy storage. This approach contributes to addressing the challenges of intermittency in renewable energies, promoting greater stability in energy supply.

Contribution to Decarbonization:

Pink hydrogen emerges as a crucial piece in the decarbonization puzzle, especially in challenging sectors for direct electrification, such as aviation and heavy industry. Its adoption in these domains can catalyze significant advances in carbon footprint reduction.

Technological Development:

Investing in technologies related to pink hydrogen drives technological advancements and innovation in electrolysis and nuclear systems. These investments not only consolidate efficient hydrogen production but also contribute to sustainable development and technological progress.

Low Carbon Approach:

Considered a low-carbon option, pink hydrogen production depends on the safe and sustainable management of nuclear energy. Issues such as nuclear waste management and safety must be effectively addressed to ensure the viability of this approach.

Energy Self-Sufficiency:

Pink hydrogen stands out as an ally in the pursuit of energy self-sufficiency, contributing to reducing dependence on foreign energy sources. Its domestic production promotes greater autonomy and stability in energy supply.

Integration with Other Energy Sources:

The versatility of pink hydrogen allows its efficient integration with other forms of energy, such as solar and wind. This synergy results in a more resilient and balanced energy matrix, capable of addressing the challenges of energy transition more comprehensively.

Energy (hydrogen) production stability:

In conclusion, electricity generation in nuclear power plants stands out as a prominent proposal in the safety and energy transition landscape, with pink hydrogen emerging as a protagonist. This is a known and mature technology, offering stability and consistency in energy generation while overcoming the intermittency challenge associated with other renewable hydrogen sources.

Thus, pink hydrogen not only contributes to emission reduction and diversification of the energy matrix but also positions itself as a reliable and effective solution in the pursuit of a more sustainable energy future.