Hydrogen infrastructure
Hydrogen will play a key role in driving the transition of industry and transport. But today, Sweden lacks the infrastructure to make it happen. That’s why we’re joining forces with partners across the Nordics – in what could become one of the largest infrastructure investments in Sweden’s history.
What is hydrogen?
Hydrogen consists of two hydrogen atoms and can be used both as an energy carrier and as a feedstock in various industrial processes. It can store and transport energy, which can then be converted into fuel, electricity, or heat. Unlike natural gas, hydrogen combustion produces no carbon dioxide emissions – the only by-product is water (H₂O).
Today, hydrogen is mainly used in industrial ammonia production, which is essential for fertilizer manufacturing. The steel industry has also begun replacing fossil fuels with hydrogen. In addition, hydrogen is a cornerstone in the production of e-fuels, which can replace traditional fuels such as diesel and gasoline in vehicles.
How is hydrogen produced?
Hydrogen can be produced in different ways. Renewable hydrogen is made from water using electricity from renewable sources – with oxygen and heat generated as by-products in the process. This type of hydrogen is often called green hydrogen, and it is considered key to achieving a carbon-neutral future.
Advantages and disadvantages of hydrogen
Renewable hydrogen can serve as an energy carrier across many industries, enabling fossil-free production of fertilizers, steel, e-fuels, and biofuels. It can also help stabilize the power grid, since hydrogen can be stored and used to capture surplus renewable electricity.
However, most of the hydrogen used today is still produced from fossil fuels. Green hydrogen remains expensive to produce and requires large amounts of renewable electricity. On top of that, storage and transport demand advanced technology, as hydrogen must be handled under high pressure.