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Don't focus on colors - focus on low carbon intensity

Most oil and gas majors have set ambitious targets to minimize the GHG intensity of natural gas and achieve near-zero methane emissions from their operations by 2030. Coupled with ultra-low carbon intensity hydrogen the road towards net zero is made significantly shorter.

Choosing a hydrogen solution shouldn't (just) be a question of color. It should be a question about the reduction of Carbon Intensity, also known as CI.

Legislation and subsidy mechanisms are color blind

A significant number of governmental regulations and subsidies already impact and incentivize hydrogen producers. Most of these regulations focus on lowering the greenhouse gas footprint and thereby the carbon intensity. Every single CO₂ saving counts in the energy transition.

Some countries encourage decarbonization with subsidies or incentives for low-carbon hydrogen production or carbon capture and storage (CCS). As an example, the US Inflation Reduction Act promotes low-carbon hydrogen through subsidies which increase with reduced carbon intensity.

A producer of ultra-low carbon intensity hydrogen using low methane emissions natural gas as feedstock can qualify for up to $3/kg of hydrogen in tax credit. Thus, the business case for low-carbon hydrogen has never been stronger.

CI numbers speak louder than colors

The current spectrum of colors describing hydrogen is broad. But one should be aware that color is merely defined by how the hydrogen is produced. Not by calculating the value chain's total environmental impact.



The actual environmental impact of any hydrogen must be measured rigorously by considering the carbon intensity of each step in the value chain.



Depending on its source, energy consumption throughout the value chain also leads to GHG emissions and needs to be accounted for.

Not all blue is equal

Today, there is no set standard for low-carbon hydrogen, also known as blue hydrogen. One low-carbon hydrogen solution is therefore not necessarily equal to another. The reason is that the carbon intensity of any low-carbon hydrogen depends on all contributions from natural gas sources into the product shipment gate including natural production & transport, CO₂ handling & storage as well as hydrogen production technology.

So simply choosing a 'blue' hydrogen partner or 'blue' technology isn't enough. To meet targets, comply with legislation, or benefit from incentive schemes, you must look beyond the color blue and focus on the solution's carbon intensity.

Take the lowest energy route to ultra-low carbon intensity hydrogen

To achieve low carbon intensity when converting natural gas to hydrogen, it is essential to capture as much CO₂ as possible during the reforming process.

It is essential to capture most of the CO₂ in the reforming process when converting natural gas to hydrogen to achieve low carbon intensity. With up to 99%+ CO₂ removal capabilities, Topsoe's low-carbon hydrogen solutions lead the industry for decarbonization. We have the broadest toolbox of hydrogen technologies and deliver complete low-carbon hydrogen solutions including carbon capture and product purification.

Our track record in low-carbon hydrogen projects and wide-ranging expertise means we can ensure scalability and economic feasibility for your project. Whether building new or revamping existing infrastructure, we are here to empower your success.

Aside from low-carbon solutions, Topsoe also provides green hydrogen solutions. For more information, click here.