One of the conversation points that I often encounter in the debate around climate change and the move to net zero/energy independence is the role that could be played by hydrogen. Like many of the other aspects of this debate, it is poorly understood, particularly among the press and policymakers.
What is hydrogen ? Chemically, it is the simplest and most plentiful element in the universe, having one proton and one electron. It’s thought that, along with a small number of other light elements, hydrogen was created in the aftermath of the Big Bang. Heavier elements with larger numbers of protons and neutrons are created when stars explode or merge.
There are three hydrogen isotopes. The most common is sometimes referred to by an alternate name, “protium”. A small proportion – roughly 0.01% – of hydrogen atoms have a neutron (“deuterium”) and even more rarely…
Why hydrogen can’t solve our climate change problems – Slugger O’Toole
