Carbon intensity of blue hydrogen

Don’t focus on colors. Focus on low carbon intensity.

Minimizing carbon intensity is key in the production of blue hydrogen. This is achieved by maximizing CO₂ capture during the reforming process of natural gas into hydrogen.

Choosing a hydrogen solutions shouldn't (just) be a question of color. It should be about reduction of carbon intensity (CI). Most oil and gas majors have set ambitious targets to minimize the GHG intensity of natural gas and achieve near zero methane emissions from their operations by 2030.

On top of this, a significant number of governmental regulations and subsidies already impact and incentivize hydrogen producers. Most of these regulations focus on lowering the greenhouse gas footprint and thereby the carbon intensity. Every single CO₂ saving counts in the energy transition.

CI numbers speak louder than colors.

The current spectrum of colors describing hydrogen is broad. But one should be aware that color is merely defined by how the hydrogen is produced. Not by calculating the value chain's total environmental impact.

Not all blue is equal

Today, there is no set standard for blue hydrogen. One blue hydrogen solution is therefore not necessarily equal to another. The reason is that the carbon intensity of any blue hydrogen depends on all contributions from natural gas source into the product shipment gate including natural production & transport, CO₂ handling & storage as well as hydrogen production technology.

So simply choosing a 'blue' hydrogen partner or 'blue' technology isn't enough. To meet targets, comply with legislation, or benefit from incentive schemes, you must look beyond the color blue and focus on the solution's carbon intensity.

What a blue hydrogen production process might look like

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Take the lowest energy route to ultra-low carbon intensity hydrogen

It is essential to capture most of the CO₂ in the reforming process when converting natural gas to hydrogen to achieve low carbon intensity. With up to 99%+ CO₂ removal capabilities, our blue hydrogen solutions lead the industry for decarbonization. We have the broadest toolbox of hydrogen technologies and deliver complete blue hydrogen solutions including carbon capture and product purification.

Our track record in blue hydrogen projects and wide-ranging expertise mean we can ensure scalability and economic feasibility for your project. Whether building new or revamping existing infrastructure, we are here to empower your success.

Applications within this area

Levelized cost of blue hydrogen

Blue hydrogen production is a process which requires thought, collaboration, and a large amount of expertise. And to get the highest margins, you need to get the lowest levelized cost.

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