Chalkboard 1 - The Many Colors of Hydrogen

Abstract

This short article presents a refined and updated view of the concept of the colors of hydrogen based on a survey of many recent reports and roadmaps on hydrogen. As a versatile, colorless molecular energy carrier with great potential to decarbonize multiple sectors and help reach net-zero emissions, there has been a renewed interest in improving and expanding hydrogen production with minimal or zero impact to the environment. The conventional wisdom to categorize hydrogen production methods relies on colors that are associated with the technology pathways and their net carbon-emission impact. Despite some confusion arising from ill-defined associations, the concept of hydrogen colors has been gaining popularity due to the simplicity of such associations. This article aims to de-mystify these colors by embodying an expanded palette that reflects both existing and emerging (advanced) pathways to contribute to the ongoing conversation and efforts toward promoting and supporting the research, policy and regulations on realizing the clean hydrogen vision.