Blog Post by: Karun Tyagi

Green hydrogen is a form of clean and renewable energy that is produced through the electrolysis of water using electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind or solar power. It’s called “green” hydrogen because the production process emits no greenhouse gases or other harmful pollutants, making it environmentally friendly and sustainable.

This is how green hydrogen is created:

Electrolysis: Using an electrolyzer, water (H2O) is divided into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). An electric current is passed through water, causing the water molecules to break down into their constituent elements.
Renewable Energy: The electricity used for electrolysis is generated from renewable energy sources such as wind, sun, or hydropower. These sources are termed “green” since they do not emit carbon dioxide or other harmful emissions when generating electricity.
Hydrogen Production: As a result of the electrolysis process, hydrogen gas (H2) is collected. This hydrogen can be stored and used in a variety of applications as a versatile energy carrier.

Applications in a Variety of Industries:

1. Transportation: Green hydrogen offers enormous promise in transportation, providing a clean and efficient alternative to fossil fuels. Electric vehicles fuelled by hydrogen fuel cells have longer ranges and quicker refuelling periods than standard battery-powered electric vehicles.
2. Industry: High-energy-demanding industries, such as manufacturing and chemical processing, can employ green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source, lowering their carbon footprint and contributing to cleaner production processes.
3. Energy Storage: Green hydrogen can be an important component of energy storage systems, storing excess renewable energy created during peak production periods for later use when demand is high or renewable energy output is low.
4. Heating and cooling: Hydrogen may be used to heat and cool homes and businesses, substituting fossil fuels and lowering greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional heating methods.

In the fashion industry, green hydrogen offers a sustainable energy solution with several benefits. By powering manufacturing processes, textile production, and transportation, it significantly reduces the industry’s carbon footprint. Furthermore, hydrogen-based dyeing and processing provide a cleaner alternative to conventional methods, aligning with the industry’s growing emphasis on sustainability.

Sustainable Manufacturing:

The fashion industry is energy-intensive, especially during the manufacturing stage where various processes are employed to create textiles and garments. Green hydrogen can power these manufacturing processes, replacing fossil fuels and drastically reducing carbon emissions. By utilizing hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen as a direct energy source, fashion manufacturers can significantly lower their carbon footprint and move towards more sustainable production practices.

Textile Production and Dyeing:

Green hydrogen can also play a pivotal role in textile production and dyeing. Conventional dyeing processes often involve the use of harmful chemicals and substantial amounts of water. Hydrogen-based dyeing, on the other hand, offers a cleaner and more sustainable alternative. By utilizing hydrogen as a reducing agent, it can facilitate color fixation on fabrics without the need for harsh chemicals, thereby reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional dyeing processes.

Recycling and the Circular Economy:

The fashion industry is rapidly embracing the circular economy concept, in which materials are reused and repurposed to reduce waste. Green hydrogen can help with this transition by powering textile recycling processes. It can provide the energy required to degrade old textiles into constituent fibres, which can then be utilised to make new fabrics, encouraging a closed-loop approach to textile production.

Transportation and Logistics Sustainability:

Green hydrogen-powered hydrogen fuel cells offer a promising alternative for sustainable transportation in the fashion sector. Hydrogen-powered vehicles can drastically lower the carbon footprint of the industry’s supply chain, from carrying raw materials to distributing completed products. Furthermore, deploying green hydrogen in the logistics industry might lead to a more environmentally friendly and sustainable way of transportation.

Retail Operations and Green Practises:

Green hydrogen can also be used to power stores, lighting, heating, and cooling systems in retail businesses. Retailers may show their dedication to sustainability by using hydrogen-powered solutions, attracting environmentally concerned customers who value businesses that practise environmentally friendly practises.

To Conclude:

Green hydrogen has the potential to be a game changer in the fashion industry’s drive towards sustainability. Fashion firms can dramatically lower their carbon footprint, embrace more sustainable practises, and contribute to a cleaner and greener planet by harnessing the potential of green hydrogen energy. The use of green hydrogen is a significant step forward in integrating fashion with environmental responsibility and assuring a sustainable future for future generations.

Green hydrogen, while promising for a clean energy future, faces hurdles. Production costs are high due to energy-intensive electrolysis and costly materials, impeding widespread adoption. Efficiency in the electrolysis process needs improvement to maximize energy use. Infrastructure development for production, storage, and transportation is substantial and necessary. Intermittent renewable energy sources affect consistent hydrogen production. Hydrogen storage and transportation pose technical challenges. Despite being carbon-neutral during production, associated emissions from equipment manufacture must be minimized. Competing with cheaper grey hydrogen is a barrier, and standardization is lacking. Supportive policies, public education, and safety reassurance are crucial for overcoming these hurdles and establishing green hydrogen as a sustainable energy solution.

Image by Freepik