The challenges facing the adoption of green hydrogen
Farmer's Weekly|Farmer's Weekly 28 October
Dr Rod Crompton, visiting adjunct professor in the African Energy Leadership Centre at Wits Business School, and Dr Bruce Douglas Young, senior lecturer at the centre, explain green hydrogen’s potential benefits, and the challenges that need to be overcome before it can be used on a wide scale.
The challenges facing the adoption of green hydrogen

Hydrogen is used mainly to make chemicals such as fertiliser, and in oil refineries. Most hydrogen in the world today is made from natural gas or coal, using methods associated with large carbon dioxide emissions. Developed countries are therefore looking to ‘green hydrogen’ instead, which is produced using renewable electricity such as solar and wind power.

GREEN HYDROGEN IS EXPENSIVE

Global hydrogen demand reached 94 million tons in 2021, and contained energy equal to about 2,5% of global final energy consumption. Only about 0,1% of current global hydrogen production is green, but big expansions are planned. New applications for green hydrogen are also envisaged.

Since the objective of using green hydrogen is really to reduce carbon dioxide, the applications to target first should be those that will yield the largest reductions in emissions. The manufacturing of fertiliser is a strong potential market for the efficient use of green hydrogen.

But green hydrogen currently costs much more to make than less clean types of hydrogen. Using it to produce the 180 million tons of ammonia required per annum globally for fertiliser production would have a severe knock-on effect on food prices. So it is difficult to see how this transition is going to occur.

HOW IS GREEN HYDROGEN MADE?

Green hydrogen is made from water. Using renewable (‘green’) electricity, equipment called electrolysers separate the hydrogen from oxygen in water. The process is called electrolysis.

This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 28 October edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the Farmer's Weekly 28 October edition of Farmer's Weekly.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FARMER'S WEEKLYView All
Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid
Farmer's Weekly

Understanding eye conditions in horses: causes and first aid

A horse can get a swollen eye from bumping it against a tree, shaking its head to keep flies away, or even snake venom

time-read
2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
IPM requires a completely different mindset
Farmer's Weekly

IPM requires a completely different mindset

You need to investigate any beneficial insects that may appear on your plants, or you can purchase them

time-read
2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Does parrot farming protect wild species?
Farmer's Weekly

Does parrot farming protect wild species?

Those in favour of commercial captive breeding argue that breeding parrots to sell can relieve pressure on wild populations. Researchers Neil D'Cruze and Rowan Martin review the evidence.

time-read
3 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic
Farmer's Weekly

Bacterial and fungal diseases of garlic

Garlic can be prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, and it's important that farmers are proactive in preventing infection and practise appropriate management. Magda du Toit reports.

time-read
6 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming
Farmer's Weekly

Responsible wastewater management: a crucial part of farming

The inadequate management of waste water is a challenge that the agriculture sector needs to deal with. Magda du Toit spoke to experts in waste and water management about a cost-effective treatment system.

time-read
5 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms
Farmer's Weekly

Technology that can help protect South Africa's farms

Farm attacks, murders, livestock and crop theft, and other rural crimes are a growing concern in South Africa. As a result, more and more farmers are turning to advanced security technology to protect their lives, properties, and livelihoods. Sinenhlanhla Mncwango spoke to experts about the security strategies that producers can adopt to combat these threats.

time-read
6 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
The impact of theft on farms in South Africa
Farmer's Weekly

The impact of theft on farms in South Africa

A high number of livestock are being stolen every year in South Africa. Insurance is expensive and farmers are battling to find solutions to the problem, says Dr Lindie von Maltitz, agricultural economics lecturer in the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at the University of the Free State.

time-read
5 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze
Farmer's Weekly

Staying afloat amid the cost-price squeeze

John Hudson, head of agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the importance of environmental and social sustainability for a prosperous agriculture sector.

time-read
8 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month
Farmer's Weekly

Free State has no reason to mark Transport Month

Free State Agriculture (FSA) is very concerned about the extremely poor state of rural paved and gravel roads in the province and has very little, if anything, to celebrate during Transport Month, which takes place every October.

time-read
1 min  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024
SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'
Farmer's Weekly

SA's food system ‘vulnerable to climate change'

The Just Transition Agenda for Food System Policymaking in SA webinar, hosted by the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ) in October, highlighted the role that South Africa’s food system plays in contributing to climate change and how vulnerable it is to the impact thereof.

time-read
2 mins  |
Farmer's Weekly 8 November 2024