A Promising New Player in the Energy Transition
In the ever-evolving landscape of the global energy transition, some sustainable energy sources are already in the spotlight—solar panels glint from rooftops and wind turbines turn steadily on the horizon. But as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, not all the game-changers of tomorrow are so visible today. Some, like green hydrogen, are only beginning to rise from the shadows, carrying a potential that is quietly immense and still largely untapped.
Green hydrogen is often described as a “vector of the future”—a clean, flexible energy carrier produced through the electrolysis of water powered entirely by renewable electricity. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, green hydrogen emits no carbon during production, making it a top contender in the global race to decarbonise. As the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, this emerging energy source could hold the key to reshaping entire sectors—from heavy industry to transport and beyond.
Why Green Hydrogen Matters
Unlike geothermal energy, which remains geographically limited despite its massive natural potential, green hydrogen doesn’t depend on a specific location. It can be created anywhere water and renewable energy are available. This flexibility makes it especially attractive for countries looking to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Its uses span far beyond powering vehicles. In fact, one of the most promising roles for green hydrogen lies in energy storage. When renewables like solar and wind produce more electricity than needed, that excess energy can be used to make hydrogen—essentially bottling power for later use. This capacity for large-scale storage could help stabilise grids and support continuous energy supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing.
The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov has noted that green hydrogen’s real value lies in its versatility. Whether fuelling the production of steel, heating industrial furnaces, or enabling clean mobility, it can operate across sectors where direct electrification might not be practical.
A New Era for Industry and Transport
In industries that require high-temperature processes—like cement, glass, and ceramics—green hydrogen could be a lifeline. These sectors have traditionally relied on fossil fuels due to their intense energy demands, but green hydrogen offers a clean alternative that doesn’t compromise on power.
The steel industry, often criticised for its high emissions, stands to benefit immensely. Integrating green hydrogen into steel production could reduce emissions dramatically, replacing carbon-heavy coal with a cleaner fuel source. Similarly, in the chemical industry, hydrogen is already widely used, but replacing conventional hydrogen with its green counterpart could significantly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint.
Transport is another area where green hydrogen could shine, especially in heavy-duty and long-distance contexts. While electric batteries suit passenger cars well, they fall short for trucks, trains, and ships. Green hydrogen can fuel cells in these vehicles, offering long range and fast refuelling—a vital edge in logistics and freight.
Barriers to Overcome
Despite its promise, green hydrogen is not without its hurdles. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov highlighted, production costs remain a critical challenge. Currently, green hydrogen is more expensive than grey or blue hydrogen, though prices are expected to drop as renewable energy becomes cheaper and electrolyser technology improves.
Infrastructure is another obstacle. Producing the hydrogen is just one part of the puzzle. Distributing and storing it safely and efficiently will require entirely new systems—pipelines, refuelling stations, storage tanks—all of which need significant investment and coordination.
Still, the direction is clear. As global efforts to combat climate change intensify, green hydrogen is steadily carving out a place for itself. It may not yet be as visible as a wind turbine or as familiar as a solar panel, but its impact in the years ahead could be just as transformative.