The impact of hydrogen on decarbonization and its role in the energy transition will depend on how it is produced. In fact, current and future supply options can be categorized as follows: - Grey hydrogen: produced from fossil fuels; - Blue hydrogen: produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS); - Green hydrogen: produced from renewable energy sources.
Kiwa Italia's experience in the gas sector, which began with the opening of its dedicated laboratory in 1994 in San Vendemiano, has allowed the company to position itself as a market leader in Italy for the CE certification of gas appliances. Over the years, the company has expanded its services to include solid fuels (2007), chimney systems, and many other product categories.
Another challenge for the entire hydrogen supply chain, and specifically for car manufacturers, is storage. Hydrogen has a very low density, which means it must be stored at high pressure.
Once produced, hydrogen must be transported and stored for subsequent use and the applications for which it was generated. Given the characteristics of this gas—flammability, low density, and ease of dispersion in the air—analyses and studies are still ongoing regarding the potential use of existing infrastructures or their conversion to be suitable for the passage of H2. However, once the configuration of hydrogen distribution networks is complete, hydrogen can be transported directly to its point of use, avoiding the costly storage in pressurized tanks or, even more so, in liquid form.
