Technical Paper: The Dawn of Hydrogen Energy - A New Energy Era
- REDAÇÃO H2RADAR
- Mar 7
- 2 min read
Hydrogen is emerging as one of the protagonists of the global energy transition, presenting itself as a versatile and environmentally sustainable energy vector. Professor Paulo Emílio de Miranda, in his article The Dawn of Hydrogen Energy , highlights the relevance of this element in the decarbonization of the global energy matrix and points to the opportunities that Brazil has in this expanding scenario.
Hydrogen as a pillar of energy sustainability
Hydrogen stands out for its ability to generate electricity, heat and power, in addition to being essential in several industrial processes. Its storage in liquid or gaseous states allows for high energy density, making it a viable alternative to meet long-term energy demands. Currently, most of the 60 million tons of hydrogen used annually is produced by steam reforming of methane , an efficient method, but one that generates CO2 emissions.
The transition to cleaner hydrogen production can be achieved through carbon capture and storage techniques , the use of bio-methane or the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. Brazil, with its predominantly renewable electricity matrix, is in a strategic position to lead this movement.
With 81.7% of Brazil's electricity coming from renewable sources , 68.1% of which comes from hydroelectric plants, the country has ideal conditions to produce green hydrogen. The significant growth in wind and solar generation, combined with the availability of biomass from agribusiness, reinforces this perspective. Furthermore, hydroelectric plants can use surplus energy to produce hydrogen, creating an efficient and sustainable energy cycle.
Paulo Emílio de Miranda's article also emphasizes the superiority of hydrogen over other forms of energy storage, such as batteries and flywheels. Its ability to store large volumes of energy for long periods positions it as a key element in the transition to a carbon-free future.
