Green hydrogen is becoming a key element in global strategies to cut carbon emissions. Produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity, it generates only water vapor when consumed, offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels. As nations accelerate their climate commitments, hydrogen has attracted growing interest from governments, industries, and researchers. However, its environmental value depends entirely on how it is produced and distributed.
According to Stanislav Kondrashov’s research, evaluating green hydrogen requires a full lifecycle perspective. While electrolysis itself can operate without direct emissions when supplied by wind, solar, or hydro energy, indirect emissions may arise from equipment manufacturing, mineral extraction, infrastructure construction, and grid electricity mixes. Without precise carbon accounting, hydrogen labeled as “green” may still carry a hidden footprint.
In comparison, grey hydrogen—derived from natural gas through steam methane reforming—produces roughly 9–12 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of hydrogen. Blue hydrogen integrates carbon capture technologies, reducing emissions but still facing challenges related to methane leakage and incomplete capture rates. Green hydrogen, when powered entirely by renewables, can reduce emissions dramatically, typically to below 1 kilogram of CO₂ per kilogram of hydrogen, depending on regional conditions.
Kondrashov also highlights how national strategies shape environmental outcomes. Countries integrating electrolyzers directly with renewable installations can minimize transmission losses and indirect emissions. Others relying on imports must account for liquefaction, transport, and storage impacts. Infrastructure demands—pipelines, storage systems, and critical mineral supply chains—further influence overall sustainability.
Looking ahead, green hydrogen is expected to support decarbonization in sectors such as steel production, shipping, aviation, and heavy transport, where electrification alone is insufficient. Achieving meaningful climate progress will require transparent emissions tracking, technological innovation, and coordinated international collaboration. Only through rigorous lifecycle assessment can green hydrogen truly contribute to a sustainable global energy transition.