It is now possible to efficiently create hydrogen through a clean process called electrolysis, which uses carbon-free electricity from renewable, nuclear and hydroelectric energy to separate water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. Unlike fossil fuel processes, electrolysis is pollution-free. In fact, in addition to clean hydrogen, electrolysis actually creates an environmentally beneficial byproduct – oxygen.

Here are some examples of how hydrogen produced from carbon-free generation sources has the potential to transform our economy and act as a game-changer in the fight against climate change:

• As a drop-in fuel in transportation: Through synthesis with carbon dioxide captured directly from the atmosphere or as a byproduct of industrial processes, hydrogen can be converted into sustainable e-Fuels, such as e-Methane, e-Diesel and e-gasoline or other carbon-based chemicals. These fuels can be used to power long-haul trucks, ships and other vehicles aren't well suited for battery power due to their travel distance, size and weight. Another advantage is that we can start doing this today using existing fueling and storage infrastructure, providing immediate carbon reductions.

• To make the skies friendlier: Imagine flying from New York to Tokyo with water vapor as the only byproduct. Hydrogen can be used as jet fuel, making it possible to curtail emissions from air travel, which today produces about 2 percent of global carbon emissions [Source: Reducing Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Aircraft | Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (c2es.org)].

• As back-up power for a clean grid: Hydrogen can be blended with natural gas and used to power generators, helping to reduce carbon emissions from fossil electricity resources. Maintaining a system of easily dispatchable power generation will become increasingly important as more intermittent renewable energy sources are added to the grid. Many of Constellation’s gas-fired power plants could use this type of blended fuel today with little or no modification. In the future, turbines could be modified to burn 100 percent hydrogen, further eliminating emissions while maintaining a reliable electric grid. Similarly, hydrogen fuel cells are a well-established technology that has powered everything from the Apollo space missions to vehicles. These fuel cells could be used as an additional back-up source of emissions-free energy.

• To make the buildings blocks of our economy: Making steel requires large amounts of heat from fossil fuels, as well as carbon-intensive coke as a feedstock. The result is about 40 million tons of carbon emissions annually. Hydrogen can substitute for coke in the steel production process as well as potentially providing a source of process heat.

• To feed the planet, sustainably: Ammonia is the second-most commonly produced chemical in the world, finding its way into everything from fertilizer to household cleaning products. Over half the world’s food supply depends on fertilizer made from ammonia, which is currently produced primarily with fossil fuels, producing 27 million tons of carbon emissions annually. However, e-Ammonia can be synthesized from clean hydrogen, producing a sustainable and clean feedstock for fertilizer and other widely used chemicals.

Through a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant, we are exploring the potential for clean hydrogen production at Nine Mile Point in upstate New York. Learn more about this exciting project.

Here's how it works: A Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzer uses the station’s existing hydrogen storage system and supporting infrastructure to produce hydrogen with emissions-free power. Simply put, the electrolyzer splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity from the plant.

The production of hydrogen at Nine Mile Point impacts the station’s ability to provide safe and reliable carbon-free power to the regional grid. And because a nuclear power station is being utilized, the hydrogen is produced with zero carbon emissions.