I will begin this Contemplation with an overview of what exactly hydrogen energy is and isn\u2019t, and then explore a variety of aspects that need to be considered with respect to any evaluation as to whether a hydrogen-based energy system is a useful path to pursue\u2013or not.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Hydrogen Energy Production and Energy Input The environmental impact of a hydrogen-based energy system thus depends greatly on what process is used to generate the energy-carrying hydrogen<\/b>, and the industry has colour-coded the various types that it produces. But, as we will discover below, the environmental impacts don\u2019t stop and start with how hydrogen is produced and the energy it carries is input. The story is much more complex\u2013as are all stories that involve energy production and use.<\/span><\/p>\n \u2018<\/span>Green hydrogen<\/span><\/a>\u2019 is considered the \u2018gold standard\u2019 because it is viewed as completely carbon-free. Its production is via \u2018carbon-free renewables\u2019 such as solar photovoltaic panels and wind turbines. Blue hydrogen, the next step down in the \u2018clean hydrogen\u2019 narrative, is produced from natural gas by a process called <\/span>steam methane reforming<\/span><\/a>; its carbon emissions are minimised via <\/span>carbon capture and storage<\/span><\/a> (CCS). Gray hydrogen (that makes up approximately 95% of today\u2019s supply) is also made from natural gas but is very carbon intensive as there is not any CCS involved. There also exists turquoise (via methane pyrolysis), pink (via electrolysis using nuclear power), and other types of hydrogen \u2018energy\u2019 based on emerging methods of hydrogen production.<\/span><\/p>\n Storage and Transportation There exist three methods of storage, all of which are very energy-intensive: compression of hydrogen gas into high-pressure tanks; liquefaction at extremely low temperatures (-253\u00b0C); or, binding with appropriate chemicals or other materials to serve as a hydrogen carrier. Pros and cons accompany each of these approaches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Transportation methods depend upon the distance and quantity of hydrogen to be moved. Most of today\u2019s hydrogen is transported via pipelines or tube trailers in its gaseous form over short distances. Longer distances tend to use specialised tankers for its liquid form, or specialised ship containers for chemically-bound hydrogen.<\/span><\/p>\n Energy Conversion In applications where batteries aren\u2019t ideal (i.e., limited space and\/or weight concerns) hydrogen seems particularly well-suited, especially heavy transport. It can also be used as a fuel where high heat is required, such as \u2018green\u2019 steel production, or as a chemical feedstock for fertiliser.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n As a carrier of energy, hydrogen is marketed as a great means of storing excess energy produced from \u2018carbon-free renewables\u2019. It is then available at a later time in order to help stabilise the electricity grid. And while its direct burning can serve as a fuel for heating, it is actually more efficient to burn hydrogen gas to produce electricity for heating.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Benefits What\u2019s not to love?<\/span><\/p>\n Well\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re new to my writing, check out <\/b>this overview<\/b><\/a>.<\/b><\/p>\n Hurdles and Difficulties<\/b> Economics First, the production of hydrogen is significantly expensive, especially when one considers the \u2018green\u2019 ideal (i.e., via \u2018renewables\u2019) that receives the greatest headlines but constitutes a miniscule portion of the current market (less than 3%). The far less expensive (and much \u2018dirtier\u2019) \u2018gray\u2019 option dominates, negating the supposed \u2018clean and carbon-free\u2019 argument. Add on top of this the concerns about how resources could become a limiting factor since the \u2018green\u2019 option requires massive \u2018renewable-energy\u2019 inputs and significant amounts of water, placing a strain on local environments. Then there\u2019s the hugely expensive electrolysers required for the production of \u2018green\u2019 hydrogen.<\/span><\/p>\n Additionally, materially-adequate production, transportation, storage, distribution, and fuelling infrastructure must be constructed from scratch. This requires significant funding, especially given all the materials are specialised for leak prevention and metal embrittlement reduction. Storage, for example, requires specialised high-pressure compression tanks or energy-intensive liquefaction facilities. When transported, very specialised vehicles or pipelines are a must. And then there are the supply bottlenecks and limits as rare minerals are required for the production of these specialised materials.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When one tallies up the balance sheet from all the processes and necessary infrastructure to support it, <\/span>it makes little to no economic sense<\/b>. Without significant government subsidies (primarily via debt expansion), there is no economic argument to support it. Given the huge upfront investment costs, the lack of actual demand, and the uncertainty surrounding the ability to meet material requirements, <\/span>it should be viewed not as an investment risk but as an investment sink<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Energetics A <\/span>study<\/span><\/a> examining hydrogen EROEI along several avenues found that \u2018green\u2019 hydrogen via electrolysis had an estimated EROEI of ~0.51; (235 megajoules (MJ) of energy required to produce a single kilogram of hydrogen, and only produced 120 MJ of usable energy). The study also found that the EROEI is even worse when producing hydrogen from hydrocarbons (the predominant form, making up 95% of current use), estimated at ~0.126 (66.75 MJ of energy inputs using diesel returned only 8.4 MJ of hydrogen fuel). These are net energy losses: <\/span>more energy is being put into the process than is gained by carrying it out<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n These numbers are low because of energy losses during: production (e.g., electrolysis is about 70-80% efficient, meaning a 20-30% loss of energy from the start); compression and storage (e.g., high pressurisation or cooling for liquefaction lead to another 10-15% loss); reconversion to electricity via a fuel cell (an additional 40-60% loss); and, then there are the embodied energy costs of the infrastructure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Combined, these energy losses are why some studies conclude that<\/span> a hydrogen-energy system is a consumer of energy, not a producer of it <\/b>(see <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>). If it has any value at all, it may be as a storage medium or specialised fuel for niche applications and where energy loss is considered acceptable. The concern that <\/span>such a system diverts energy output to fuel its own cycle rather than providing net energy for society<\/b> is quite valid given the above evidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n And then there are the concerns raised by some that an EROEI of more than 14 is required to maintain our societies\u2019 many complexities (see <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>) and 3 just to survive at a minimal level (see <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>). The EROEI for hydrogen just won\u2019t cut it; not even close.<\/span><\/p>\n Safety Hydrogen is exceedingly flammable and ignites easily with very low energy. Even in air, concentrations can be as low as 4% for it to become flammable. It is difficult to contain given its molecule is the smallest of any element, so it can leak through the tiniest of gaps that would otherwise contain other gases. Hydrogen is both invisible and buoyant, with its flame being close to undetectable visually in daylight and capable of accumulating in poorly ventilated spaces. Materials exposed to hydrogen can become embrittled and prone to cracking\u2013a critical issue for any pipelines or storage tanks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Storage<\/span> Transportation and Pipelines<\/span> As energy analyst Alice Friedemann writes <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>: \u201c<\/span>No container can contain hydrogen for long. Use it or lose it. Hydrogen is the Houdini of elements, the smallest of them all, and will boil off and escape no matter how many gaskets and valves there are on a container and at every pipeline junction.\u201d She argues that it is little more than irrational optimism to believe that the storage and transportation of hydrogen can be performed economically or safely at scale.<\/span><\/p>\n Fuel Cells and Refuelling<\/span> Prevention and mitigation of risks require strict protocols and unique material engineering. Ignition sources need to be eliminated and not simply minimised. Leak detection systems must be robust. Embrittlement-resistant materials have to be used. Extensive ventilation (especially at high points) is necessary. Ultraviolet and infrared flame detectors should be installed. Extensive training and standards must be in place as well as very specific emergency procedures.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Infrastructure Hydrogen does absolutely nothing with respect to replacing other energy systems and their infrastructure<\/b>. Hydrogen actually compounds energy-system infrastructure and complexity. An energy-generation system (i.e., natural gas turning turbines, solar photovoltaic panels) with all its infrastructure is first required. To this is added an entirely new hydrogen infrastructure of production facilities, storage systems, transportation systems, distribution facilities, and fuelling stations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The primary reason hydrogen-based energy has been pursued for niche applications only is because direct electrification is less expensive, more efficient, and not as materially-\/minerally-intensive (leaving aside for the moment the storage option of batteries).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Infrastructure Needs of \u2018Green\u2019 Hydrogen\u00a0<\/span> Perhaps one of the primary reasons for such low uptake of this version of hydrogen energy is the massive infrastructure needs. There are four distinct layers required.<\/span><\/p>\n The first is the \u2018renewable\u2019 energy infrastructure itself. The wind farms. The fields of solar photovoltaic panels. The grid connections from all these non-renewable, renewable energy-harvesting technologies. To produce \u2018green hydrogen\u2019 at scale, massive renewable capacity dedicated exclusively for the task is required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Then there are the gigawatt-scale electrolyser facilities that must be constructed with access to large amounts of water and massive amounts of electricity (from the \u2018renewables\u2019 above). The hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure is then required. Dedicated hydrogen pipelines or the retrofit of existing natural gas ones. Liquefaction facilities for cooling hydrogen to 253\u00b0C and specialised cryogenic tanker trucks. And if binding with other matter to transport, chemical plants for this process and specialised containers and tanker ships, as well as appropriate import and export terminals.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The final layer is the one necessary for end-use distribution and fuelling. It consists of stations with high-pressure compressors for transportation vehicles and specialised pipeline connections for industry.<\/span><\/p>\n If the above sounds just a bit materially- and minerally-intensive, it is. Massively so. Each of these layers add costs in terms of resources and administration. There are not only the needs of the non-renewable, renewable energy-harvesting technologies (i.e., solar photovoltaic panels, wind turbines), but the hydrogen production, storage, and distribution technologies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n While requiring massive amounts of material not currently constrained (e.g., steel, nickel, aluminum), some types of electrolysers, for example, do demand minerals that are quite expensive (e.g., platinum, palladium), that face critical bottlenecks (e.g., iridium), or are rare-earth elements (e.g., yttrium, lanthanum). Hydrogen fuel cells also require platinum-based catalysts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Beyond the critical minerals needed, massive amounts of more conventional materials are required for storage and transportation. This includes construction of liquefaction plants, specialised steel pipelines, and high-strength carbon fibre composites for high-pressure tanks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n From an economic perspective, a hydrogen-based energy system only works if less expensive energy systems are not available. This is why <\/span>hydrogen energy systems have only found use in very niche applications<\/b> such as where long-term, seasonal energy storage is needed (e.g., storing excess energy from solar photovoltaic panels during the summer and then using it in the winter for heating), or for fuelling heavy-duty transport where batteries are impractical due to their size, weight, and charging times.<\/span><\/p>\n More importantly, each of the above infrastructure layers result in energy losses. As the previous section on <\/span>Energetics<\/span><\/i> highlights:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cCombined, these energy losses are why some studies conclude that<\/span> a hydrogen-energy system is a consumer of energy, not a producer of it<\/b>\u2026 that <\/span>such a system diverts energy output to fuel its own cycle rather than providing net energy for society<\/b> is quite valid given the above evidence.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Those who advocate for a hydrogen-based energy system buildout counter all the above \u2018hurdles\u2019 with what has become a kind of standard rallying mantra for emerging energy technologies: innovation, a circular economy that recycles everything, supply chain diversification, and strategic deployment will \u2018solve\u2019 these \u2018temporary\u2019 difficulties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Additional Thoughts Hydrogen as a \u2018Clean\u2019 Fuel And even for the \u2018green hydrogen\u2019 ideal, the \u2018carbon-free energy\u2019 derived from \u2018renewables\u2019 is in addition to that already built-out for other purposes. An entirely new and massive infrastructure of solar and wind farms dedicated exclusively to hydrogen production is required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The term \u2018clean\u2019 is derived almost exclusively through a narrow keyhole perspective that can only see the end user and the water vapour created, but is blind to all that comes before. The exceedingly complex and massive hydrocarbon-fuelled: extraction and refinement of various materials and minerals, and industrial production of the components for all the infrastructure. To say little about the land use changes and water requirements. The ecological destruction that occurs in the wake of all of this is lost behind the curtain that the marketers and supporters erect in their fervor to sell a dramatically oversimplified narrative of \u2018clean and sustainable energy\u2019.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-17-at-8.40.51-AM.png\")
<\/a>depositphotos.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/b>First, it is extremely important to clarify that <\/span>hydrogen-based energy is not a primary source of energy<\/b> such as coal. <\/span>It is a medium that can store energy produced by other sources<\/b> and then deliver it to be used. Think of hydrogen as a battery into which one can place energy and then retrieve it when needed. From a narrow end-use perspective, its only waste product is water vapour and this is why many argue its use can help to clean up and decarbonise the energy sector.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>While hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, it doesn\u2019t tend to occur in its molecular form on our planet. Hydrogen must first be \u2018produced\u2019 before any hydrogen-based energy system can begin. It\u2019s during this production (where significant energy inputs are required to break apart chemical bonds to create H<\/span>2<\/span> molecules) that the energy it is to carry is \u2018transferred\u2019 to the hydrogen molecules.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/hydrogen-energy-click-bait-post1.png\")
<\/a>Typical click-bait site post<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>One of the first challenges to overcome after hydrogen\u2019s production is its storage and transportation. Hydrogen is light with a low energy density by volume and very difficult to store and move.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>Once stored and transported to its destination, hydrogen must be converted back to a usable energy form. The primary method for this is a hydrogen-fuel cell where it is mixed with oxygen to produce heat, water, and electricity to power vehicles, industries, and buildings. Hydrogen can also be burned directly in turbines for electricity generation or within engines to power heavy machinery or ships.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/hydrogen-fuel-cell-slideshare.net_.png\")
<\/a>slideshare.net<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>Hydrogen energy advocates highlight its many advantages: produces only water vapour at its point of use; is versatile in being useful for power generation, heating, and as an industrial feedstock; with its high energy density by weight, it is better than batteries for weight-sensitive applications such as heavy transportation vehicles; can store energy for very long periods of time unlike batteries; and, when produced \u2018cleanly\u2019, reduces dependency upon hydrocarbons and can serve to help \u2018decarbonise\u2019 society.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Buy-Me-A-Coffee-Logo.png\"){kind=logo}
<\/a><\/span>CLICK HERE<\/span><\/a><\/h4>\n
\n
\n<\/b>The challenges and disadvantages of exploiting hydrogen as an energy carrier are not insignificant, but rarely if ever raised by those who are marketing it or have come to believe it is the next energy \u2018saviour\u2019. These difficulties run the gamut from economic to energetic to safety. And then, of course, there exist significant finite material and mineral needs.<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>From an economic perspective, a hydrogen-based energy system is prohibitively expensive. The bulk of this is caused by the need for a massive new infrastructure to be created if it is to be used beyond small-scale, experimental, and\/or prototype applications.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-17-at-8.46.44-AM.png\")
<\/a>blogs.worldbank.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>The energy-return-on-energy-invested (EROEI) is not great for hydrogen. In fact, from a thermodynamic point of view, it\u2019s abysmal. Depending upon the type considered and the processes involved, <\/span>it actually consumes as much or more energy than it produces because of the energy losses along its life cycle<\/b>. <\/span>Some analysts<\/span><\/a> actually argue that the losses are so great that such a system makes absolutely no sense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Screen-Shot-2026-01-17-at-8.48.43-AM.png\")
<\/a>theoildrum.com<\/span><\/a><\/h6>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>Hydrogen exhibits unique chemical and physical properties that raise a number of safety concerns. These need to be \u2018managed\u2019 via adequate engineering, design, and strict safety protocols.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>If a gas storage tank is compromised in any way (e.g., embrittlement), the high-pressure gas (5000-10,000+ psi) can result in catastrophic tank failure. Any leaks of the highly flammable gas could lead to a <\/span>jet fire<\/span><\/a>. Storing as a liquid (-253\u00b0C) requires constant monitoring as any vapourisation can result in an overpressure explosion. Severe cryogenic burn risk is also possible.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>While it has been proposed, the use of natural gas pipelines to transport hydrogen is exceptionally risky. Hydrogen accelerates embrittlement and metal fatigue increasing the chance of failure and leaks, especially since it is the smallest gaseous element. If blended with natural gas, additional risks emerge such as the potential for separation and altered combustion properties for users.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span>Multiple hazards become concentrated at refuelling stations or where fuel cells are used. Refuelling stations require high-pressure storage facilities and fuelling connectors where leaks are possible. Leaks can result in a vapour cloud that can explode. The fact that hydrogen flames are invisible pose a further risk, especially for workers and\/or first responders when accidents do occur. (For a dramatic Hollywood version of what might occur where fuel cells are present, watch the 2008 James Bond movie <\/span>Quantum of Solace<\/span><\/a>; and see <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>.)<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>As mentioned above, a massive new infrastructure is required for producing, storing, transporting, and dispensing of hydrogen. And this is on top of the massive infrastructure required to produce the hydrogen and generate the energy to \u2018store\u2019 in it, such as solar photovoltaic, wind turbines, or natural gas. In effect, this doubles (or more) any infrastructure expenses and material\/mineral needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/hydrogen-energy-click-bait-post.png\")
<\/a>Another click-bait site post<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/span>The ultimate \u2018ideal\u2019 and the one typically sold to the public and advocated for is the use of \u2018green\u2019 hydrogen. As described earlier, it is based on the use of \u2018renewables\u2019 for hydrogen production and energy input. Its ultimate appeal is through the carbon-tunnel vision perspective where \u2018renewables\u2019 are \u2018clean\u2019 and \u2018carbon free\u2019. <\/span>Recent estimates<\/span><\/a> point to this type of hydrogen energy making up only about 1-3% of the current hydrogen market.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/comforting-lies-linkedin.com_.png\")
<\/a>linkedin.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n
\n<\/b>Carbon Capture and Storage
\n<\/span><\/i>I won\u2019t say much here about carbon capture and storage (CCS) since it is fodder for a future We\u2019re Saved! Contemplation. It is the supposed cornerstone of \u2018blue hydrogen\u2019 but for all intents and purposes this is another in the growing list of false technological solutions being bandied about by the energy industry. Rather than being helpful, it is yet another resource sinkhole whose benefits are shouted from the hilltops but in actuality has\u2013in spite of billions of dollars already being poured into it\u2013delivered no significant success to date. (See <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>, and\/or <\/span>this<\/span><\/a>)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/i>Obviously, none of the above is \u2018clean\u2019. The various infrastructures that would be needed to support a hydrogen-based energy system require massive extraction of material and minerals as well as refining and industrial production. As much as the end-use may indeed only produce water vapour, there are significant ecologically-destructive processes required before hydrogen is ever dispensed to a consumer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/olduvai.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/blind-men-and-an-elephant-sketchplanations.com_.png\")
<\/a>sketchplanations.com<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/h6>\n