Technology

Understanding Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the lightest chemical element in the periodic table and the most abundant element in the universe.

At standard temperature and pressure, hydrogen is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic, highly combustible gas, with the highest specific energy content of all conventional fuels.

Like electricity, hydrogen is an energy carrier – not a source of energy. It must therefore be produced. Yet hydrogen offers several key benefits that increase its potential to replace fossil fuels. Stored hydrogen, for example, can be used directly as a fuel or to generate electricity.

Hydrogen has a strategic importance in the pursuit of a low-emission, environmentally-benign, cleaner and more sustainable energy system.

The combustion product of hydrogen is clean, consisting of water and small amounts of nitrogen oxides.