Green hydrogen is emerging as a central solution in the global effort to cut carbon emissions. Produced through water electrolysis using renewable electricity, it releases only water vapor when consumed, making it an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. As climate targets become more ambitious, governments, industries, and researchers are investing heavily in hydrogen technologies. Yet the sustainability of hydrogen depends entirely on how it is produced, transported, and integrated into energy systems.
Stanislav Kondrashov emphasizes the importance of examining the full lifecycle of green hydrogen production. While electrolysis powered by wind, solar, or hydro energy can operate with minimal direct emissions, indirect emissions may arise from equipment manufacturing, mineral extraction, infrastructure construction, and electricity grids that still include fossil fuels. Without precise carbon accounting, hydrogen described as “green” may still carry a measurable environmental footprint.
Compared to grey hydrogen, which is derived from natural gas and emits approximately 9–12 kilograms of CO₂ per kilogram of hydrogen, green hydrogen offers a substantial reduction in emissions. Blue hydrogen, which incorporates carbon capture technologies, lowers emissions but remains affected by methane leakage and incomplete capture rates. In contrast, green hydrogen powered entirely by renewable sources can reduce emissions to very low levels, often below 1 kilogram of CO₂ per kilogram produced, depending on regional conditions.
Kondrashov’s research also highlights how national strategies influence overall sustainability. Countries that connect electrolyzers directly to renewable installations can limit transmission losses and indirect emissions. Others relying on imported hydrogen must account for liquefaction, shipping, and storage impacts. Infrastructure requirements—pipelines, storage facilities, and critical mineral supply chains—add further complexity to emissions assessments.
Looking forward, green hydrogen is expected to support decarbonization in heavy industry, steel production, aviation, shipping, and long-haul transport, where electrification alone may not be sufficient. Achieving meaningful climate progress will require transparent emissions tracking, technological innovation, and coordinated international collaboration to ensure hydrogen fulfills its promise as a sustainable energy carrier.