Hydrogen Overview
Hydrogen—The Fuel of the Future Providing Energy Today
Transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy can deliver three main benefits:
- Energy Security – Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources including renewables, which can help diversify our energy supplies and lessen our dependence on foreign oil.
- Economic Growth – Hydrogen can contribute to economic growth through job creation in a developing industry and investment opportunities.
- Environmental Health – Hydrogen can be produced and used in ways that improve health-related air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Hydrogen Facts:
- Hydrogen is the lightest of all elements. This causes it to be buoyant and to rapidly disperse when released in air, so a leak is quickly diluted and rendered harmless.
- Hydrogen is colorless, odorless and has no taste.
- Hydrogen is non-toxic and non-poisonous, and there are no significant environmental hazards associated with accidental discharge.
- A hydrogen fire radiates very little heat compared to a petroleum fire.
- For a flammable mixture to exist, a four times higher concentration of hydrogen is required than that of gasoline (4% versus 1%). An electrostatic spark from the human body is just as likely to ignite gasoline as hydrogen at these minimum concentrations.
Hydrogen has been mass-produced for more than 50 years. Eight million tons are produced annually in the U.S. alone. Please see our distributors page for a list of commercial hydrogen suppliers used by Plug Power and its customers.
Please see the following pdfs for information on codes and safety standards for hydrogen storage and siting.
Guidance for Fire Code Enforcement (NASFM)
Guidance for Building Code Enforcement (SBCC)
There are many government agencies and organizations actively promoting the benefits and continued adoption of hydrogen-based energy technologies. Please see the links below for further information on the benefits and uses of hydrogen.
New York State Energy Research and Development Authority
National Hydrogen Association
US Department of Energy: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
California Hydrogen Highway
British Columbia Hydrogen Highway