Texas energy companies are exploring hydrogen as a sustainable fuel alternative, promising a greener future for transportation and heavy industries.
Emily Foxhall reports for The Texas Tribune.
In short:
- Hydrogen, stored deep beneath the historic Spindletop site, is seen as a game-changer for reducing greenhouse gas emissions if produced cleanly.
- The state's existing natural gas infrastructure and expertise are pivotal for scaling up hydrogen production, with the federal government providing financial incentives.
- However, environmentalists express skepticism about the feasibility of producing truly clean hydrogen from natural gas and the reliance on carbon capture technology.
Key quote:
"We can be the breadbasket for not only the U.S. but for the world in providing hydrogen."
— Bryan Fisher, managing director with RMI
Why this matters:
Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize sectors hard to electrify, like aviation and heavy manufacturing. However, the infrastructure for hydrogen production, storage, transport, and refueling is in its infancy and requires significant investment to scale up.
