December 2, 2024, Texas - Researchers indicate that Texas is set to become a major producer of green hydrogen, leveraging its existing energy infrastructure. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences highlights Texas as a valuable case study for decarbonizing fossil fuel-heavy states.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis, offers a clean energy source that could decarbonize up to 25% of global energy-related CO2 emissions, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Texas, already the leading U.S. state in wind energy production, generates 26% of the nation’s wind-sourced energy and possesses significant solar resources.
By 2030, Texas could produce over 50 million tons of green hydrogen at approximately $1.50 per kilogram, benefiting from the integration of water electrolysis with its renewable electricity grid. This low production cost will enhance grid reliability and significantly impact state decarbonization efforts.
Hydrogen demand is expected to grow steadily over the next six years, with production costs potentially decreasing by 30% by 2030 due to falling renewable energy prices and increased hydrogen production scale. Green hydrogen is anticipated to meet energy needs that batteries, wind, or solar cannot easily fulfill.
The existing infrastructure for transporting green hydrogen is already established, with future developments focusing on storage capabilities. Hydrogen City, located near the Port of Corpus Christi, currently produces about 280,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually. Experts emphasize that a combination of technologies, including green hydrogen and nuclear energy, will be essential in addressing climate change.