A new hydrogen technology for Europe’s long-awaited energy independence
A new hydrogen technology for Europe’s long-awaited energy independence
Publish Date: 2026-05-08 08:19:00
Source Domain: www.youris.com
The renewed instability in the Middle East seen in March, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, was yet another painful reminder of how dependent Europe remains on imported hydrocarbons. But it was also indicative of how often energy issues only gain wider attention in the old continent during periods of international uncertainty—mostly regarding fuel prices.
While public debate frequently sees energy through the lens of emissions and climate policy, its role in industrial competitiveness, energy poverty, transport or the growing electricity demands of data centres usually receives far less attention. Indeed, households, heavy industries and even digital infrastructure all depend on stable energy carriers in much the same way.
So, it’s no surprise that many governments are now again pushing for more diversity in the EU energy mix. But a somewhat less-discussed and potentially cleaner option in this context is hydrogen. Well known as the most abundant element in the universe, it can be used to store electricity and power vehicles through fuel cells. Also, since it can deliver high-temperature heat, it is often presented as one of the few potential options for decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify.
But as flexible as it may seem, hydrogen is not a fuel in the same way as nuclear energy or renewables are. Instead, it is an energy carrier produced by converting energy from another source. In essence, by using energy to split molecules, such as methane (CH₄) or water, we obtain hydrogen that can later be used in a wide range of contexts, from chemical and heat-intensive industries to aerospace and public transport.
Since the early 2000s, it has been hailed as a game-changer, but hydrogen production and storage also pose challenges. For example, most of it is still produced from natural gas, which emits carbon into the atmosphere. Also, its production often requires large amounts of electricity, raising questions…
