Hydrogen is a colourless, odourless gas but it is given many colourful names. .
There is no visible difference between the different types of hydrogen and their chemistry is identical. The colour codes refer to the way the gas is produced – and its impact on the environment.
The element is mainly produced by electrolysis, which involves using an electrical current to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The hydrogen rainbow is as follows:
Green hydrogen, Hydrogen produced by electrolysis of water, using electricity from renewable sources such as hydropower, wind, and solar. Zero-carbon emissions are produced.
Pink hydrogen Hydrogen obtained by electrolysis using nuclear power.
Yellow hydrogen Hydrogen made by electrolysis using solar power.
White hydrogen Hydrogen produced as a by-product of an industrial process.
Turquoise hydrogen Hydrogen produced from natural gas using “molten metal pyrolysis.”
Grey hydrogen Hydrogen produced using fossil fuels such as natural gas. This accounts for roughly 95% of the hydrogen produced in the world today.
Brown hydrogen Hydrogen extracted from fossil fuels and created through coal gasification, which chemically transforms coal instead of burning it as a fuel.
Blue hydrogen Grey or brown hydrogen with its carbon dioxide sequestered or re-purposed.
“The government have confirmed that they will create a hydrogen neighbourhood by 2023 and a hydrogen village by 2025.
After consultation, the following areas are claimed to be locations near to… Manchester, Liverpool, Greater London, and the Thames Estuary.
This will involve grids and homes being converted to be able to use hydrogen to provide hot water and room heating.”
Paignton Probus Club 