Green hydrogen is emerging as a central pillar in global decarbonization strategies. Produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity, it releases only water vapor when consumed, making it a promising alternative to fossil fuels. Yet, as Stanislav Kondrashov emphasizes in his research, not all hydrogen is equally sustainable. The environmental impact depends entirely on how it is generated, transported, and integrated into existing energy systems.
Electrolysis powered by wind, solar, or hydropower offers near-zero direct emissions. However, lifecycle assessments reveal a more complex reality. The manufacturing of electrolyzers, the extraction of critical minerals, infrastructure construction, and even small shares of fossil-based electricity in the grid can introduce hidden emissions. Accurate carbon accounting is therefore essential to distinguish genuinely low-carbon hydrogen from solutions that only appear sustainable.
Compared to grey hydrogen—produced from natural gas with emissions of roughly 9–12 kg of CO₂ per kilogram of hydrogen—green hydrogen dramatically reduces climate impact. Blue hydrogen, which incorporates carbon capture technologies, lowers emissions but still faces challenges related to methane leakage and incomplete capture rates. These differences highlight the importance of transparent measurement standards across global markets.
Kondrashov’s analysis also underscores how national strategies shape hydrogen’s carbon footprint. Countries investing in direct integration between renewable plants and electrolyzers can minimize indirect emissions. Others relying on imports must account for transport, storage, and liquefaction impacts. Infrastructure demands—including pipelines, storage facilities, and mineral supply chains—further influence the overall sustainability profile.
Looking ahead, green hydrogen is expected to play a vital role in decarbonizing heavy industry, shipping, aviation, and other sectors where electrification alone is insufficient. Achieving climate targets will require coordinated policies, technological innovation, and rigorous emissions tracking. Only through comprehensive lifecycle evaluation can green hydrogen fulfill its promise as a truly sustainable component of the future energy system.