--- title: "Hydrogen: an alternative energy source" date: 2021-04-26T15:10:00+02:00 author: Appmanschap canonical_url: "https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hydrogen-an-alternative-energy-source/" section: Insight --- ![Waterstof3](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvV2F0ZXJzdG9mMy5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjgyLCJwcm9ncmVzc2l2ZSI6dHJ1ZSwidHJlbGxpc1F1YW50aXNhdGlvbiI6dHJ1ZSwib3ZlcnNob290RGVyaW5naW5nIjp0cnVlLCJvcHRpbWl6ZVNjYW5zIjp0cnVlfSwicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0MjAsImhlaWdodCI6MTc2LCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=) In the energy transition hydrogen is a serious alternative to fossil fuels. For a while hydrogen is already in use as rocket fuel, but it’s also suitable for other methods of transport, such as vehicles and ships. It can also be used in gensets. Eventually it may even be used to heat houses. In the coming years we will certainly be hearing more about it. But what exactly is hydrogen? Under room temperature, hydrogen, the smallest element in the universe, is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas. This gas is formed by two hydrogen atoms; H₂. A hydrogen atom is indicated as H and contains one proton and one electron. Hydrogen, H₂, is present in 70% of all matter in the universe. As such, there is plenty of hydrogen available to us, but obtaining it does require certain processes. Hydrogen can, for example, be obtained from water, bioethanol, natural gas or oil. ## Hydrogen as fuel and energy carrier Hydrogen as a loose element is used in the chemical industry and can be used as fuel in combustion engines. In addition hydrogen is an energy carrier: a substance that can produce electricity or warmth through chemical or physical processes. The most commonly used process is electrolysis. Through an electric current hydrogen reacts with oxygen, which results in water, warmth and electricity. This takes place in a fuel cell. Electricity produced in this fuel cell can be used to power an engine, for example in a car. However, hydrogen does come with a challenge. Since it’s a light gas with a large volume it will take up a lot more space than, for instance, a tank of diesel. Methods to make transport and storage more efficient are currently in development. ![Waterstof5](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2NvbnRlbnQvb2xkX3NpdGUvV2F0ZXJzdG9mNS5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjgyLCJwcm9ncmVzc2l2ZSI6dHJ1ZSwidHJlbGxpc1F1YW50aXNhdGlvbiI6dHJ1ZSwib3ZlcnNob290RGVyaW5naW5nIjp0cnVlLCJvcHRpbWl6ZVNjYW5zIjp0cnVlfSwicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0MjAsImhlaWdodCI6Mjg4LCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=) ## Sustainable hydrogen through electrolysis There is no emission of CO₂ when using hydrogen through electrolysis. Thus, the results of the process (water, warmth and electricity) are [sustainable](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/sustainable-energy-sources/). In addition, in comparison to regular fuels the same amount of hydrogen results in a larger amount of energy. As an energy carrier hydrogen is two to three times more efficient. However, it does matter how the hydrogen has been obtained. Naturally hydrogen obtained from gas or coal is not a sustainable alternative: this process still requires fossil fuels and produces CO₂. With bioethanol this is slightly more nuanced. The CO₂ emitted during this process was compensated while growing the crops used to produce the bioethanol. In doing so it is important that the biomass does not repress food production. The most pure source of hydrogen is water. Obtaining hydrogen from water requires electricity. By choosing electricity generated by [solar panels](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/what-is-solar-energy/) or wind turbines it is possible for hydrogen to be an almost fully sustainable and CO₂ neutral fuel. ## Hydrogen developments More and more parties are looking into ways to use hydrogen sustainably and with sufficient yield. Each party focuses on part of the challenge: Bredenoord focuses on the technology for mobile energy, others are looking for ways to increase the availability of fully green hydrogen. The Magnum gas plant in the Eemshaven is being converted into a hydrogen plant. First this plant will work with gas and an underground CO₂ storage, but starting in 2030 the extraction must be fully done through electrolysis of sustainable sources. The Gasunie and Tennet, among others, are researching the possibilities of using excess energy from wind energy parks at sea for the production of hydrogen. Various car manufacturers (including Toyota, Honda and Hyundai) have already introduced fuel cell engines, and in Germany, for example, approximately ninety gas stations already offer hydrogen, a number that grows continuously. Tools are currently made suitable for running on hydrogen as well, such as a tower crane at RKB in Ridderkerk. These are but a few of the recent initiatives taken as part of the energy transition. ![Waterstof4](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2NvbnRlbnQvb2xkX3NpdGUvV2F0ZXJzdG9mNC5qcGciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJqcGVnIjp7InF1YWxpdHkiOjgyLCJwcm9ncmVzc2l2ZSI6dHJ1ZSwidHJlbGxpc1F1YW50aXNhdGlvbiI6dHJ1ZSwib3ZlcnNob290RGVyaW5naW5nIjp0cnVlLCJvcHRpbWl6ZVNjYW5zIjp0cnVlfSwicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo0MjAsImhlaWdodCI6Mjg4LCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=) ## Hydrogen genset Hydrogen is already successfully in use as fuel for gensets. In 2009 Bredenoord launched the [Purity](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/what-is-a-genset/) with fuel cell technology. Hydrogen gensets have the benefit of working very quietly, in addition to all of the aforementioned benefits of hydrogen as a fuel. The first pilots with the next generation Purity have started in 2021. This new Purity includes a battery pack in combination with fuel cell technology, making this genset just as stable and flexible in use as a regular diesel genset. And with the moving technology hydrogen fuels are increasingly widely applicable. For example, applications such as formic acid can aid in solving the challenges surrounding transportation and storage. Ways to make fuel cell engines function under lower temperatures are also under development. After all, by using demineralized water in the installation the risk of freezing is lower. Use of the Purity at various events has already proven that working with hydrogen, even in the midst of large crowds, is completely safe. Replacing the hydrogen cylinders is an easy and fast process as well. In addition, Bredenoord started researching hydrogen as a direct fuel for combustion engines without the use of hydrogen cell technology. Share this insight - [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hydrogen-an-alternative-energy-source/) - [ LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hydrogen-an-alternative-energy-source/) - [ E-mail ](mailto:?Subject=Hydrogen%3A%20an%20alternative%20energy%20source&Body=https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hydrogen-an-alternative-energy-source/) Need advice? I'm happy to help you ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjEyMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjoxNjAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) Kasper KeukensProduct Manager Power Generation ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjQwMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzksImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) **Kasper Keukens**Product Manager Power Generation ## More insights [ View all insights ](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/) [![Bredenoord Ecofactorij 170](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvQnJlZGVub29yZC1FY29mYWN0b3Jpai0xNzAuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWUsInRyZWxsaXNRdWFudGlzYXRpb24iOnRydWUsIm92ZXJzaG9vdERlcmluZ2luZyI6dHJ1ZSwib3B0aW1pemVTY2FucyI6dHJ1ZX0sInJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6Mzc1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjM3NSwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19) This is how a synchronous grid takeover works During a synchronous grid takeover one energy source takes over from another, without the final consumer noticing anything. This method requires more preparation than a regular grid takeover. This article elaborates on the situations in which a synchronous grid takeover would be preferable, how this works and which energy solutions you can use.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/this-is-how-a-synchronous-grid-takeover-works/ "This is how a synchronous grid takeover works")[![Bredenoord header hvo 2](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvQnJlZGVub29yZC1oZWFkZXJfaHZvXzIuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsianBlZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWUsInRyZWxsaXNRdWFudGlzYXRpb24iOnRydWUsIm92ZXJzaG9vdERlcmluZ2luZyI6dHJ1ZSwib3B0aW1pemVTY2FucyI6dHJ1ZX0sInJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6Mzc1LCJoZWlnaHQiOjM3NSwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19) Quieter, cleaner and sustainable: the opportunities of HVO diesel One of the biofuels that can play an important part in reaching the climate objectives is HVO. HVO, short for hydrotreated vegetable oils, is a synthetic diesel. This fuel is made from hydrocarbons from plant based and animal based fats. Due to the way HVO is produced all oxygen is removed in the process, unlike biofuels gained through esterification, such as FAME. Because the raw materials of HVO can easily be produced again and again HVO is a renewable diesel.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/hvo-diesel/ "Quieter, cleaner and sustainable: the opportunities of HVO diesel")[![Mobile Solar Plant and Smart Power Bank on truck](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2hlcm8vb2xkX3NpdGUvTW9iaWxlLVNvbGFyLVBsYW50LWFuZC1TbWFydC1Qb3dlci1CYW5rLW9uLXRydWNrLmpwZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7ImpwZWciOnsicXVhbGl0eSI6ODIsInByb2dyZXNzaXZlIjp0cnVlLCJ0cmVsbGlzUXVhbnRpc2F0aW9uIjp0cnVlLCJvdmVyc2hvb3REZXJpbmdpbmciOnRydWUsIm9wdGltaXplU2NhbnMiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjM3NSwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzUsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) The Smart Powerbank The Bredenoord Smart Powerbank is the solution for different applications with a varying power necessity. The Smart Powerbank provides optimal power security from batteries that are charged by solar (PV) panels and a generator. The Smart Powerbank is also available with a AC power supply. The power intelligence provides a smart switching mechanism between different sources and an optimal tuning between supply and demand. Consequently the consumption and emission are substantially lower. The hybrid generator can be deployed both as a back-up system and as an operational system.](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/smart-powerbank/ "The Smart Powerbank") [ View all insights ](https://www.bredenoord.com/en/insights/) ![Kasper Keukens Bredenoord](https://d214mxx6i7ojph.cloudfront.net/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJicmVkZW5vb3JkLXByb2QtYnVja2V0Iiwia2V5IjoiaW1hZ2VzL2F2YXRhci9LYXNwZXItS2V1a2Vucy1CcmVkZW5vb3JkLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InBuZyI6eyJxdWFsaXR5Ijo4MiwicHJvZ3Jlc3NpdmUiOnRydWV9LCJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjQwMCwiaGVpZ2h0IjozNzksImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==) **Kasper Keukens**Product Manager Power Generation