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ONLiNE UPSC
Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a powerful energy source due to its abundance and versatility. When burned, it produces minimal pollution, making it an environmentally friendly option. Additionally, hydrogen can store and deliver energy in a form that is practical for various applications.
Hydrogen production typically involves methods such as steam methane reforming and electrolysis. The types of hydrogen produced are categorized into grey, blue, green, and pink hydrogen, each defined by its production method and associated carbon emissions.
Green hydrogen is regarded as the most sustainable form because it is produced through the electrolysis of water, utilizing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. This process emits no carbon dioxide (CO2), making it a clean energy alternative.
Hydrogen has diverse applications, including:
Despite its potential, hydrogen faces several challenges. These include:
Green hydrogen is crucial for transitioning to sustainable energy systems. It can effectively store and deliver renewable energy, aid in decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors, and enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources.
Pink hydrogen is generated using nuclear power for electrolysis. While it is considered low-carbon, its sustainability depends on the management of nuclear energy generation and waste.
Green hydrogen plays a significant role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It has the potential to decarbonize sectors such as heavy industry and long-distance transportation, which are vital in combating climate change.
Q1. What are the main types of hydrogen?
Answer: The main types of hydrogen are grey, blue, green, and pink, categorized by their production methods and carbon emissions associated with their creation.
Q2. Why is hydrogen considered a clean energy source?
Answer: Hydrogen is considered clean because, when burned, it produces only water vapor, and when generated from renewable sources, it emits no CO2, thus minimizing environmental impact.
Q3. What are the advantages of using green hydrogen?
Answer: Green hydrogen offers numerous advantages, including zero emissions during production, the ability to store renewable energy, and its role in decarbonizing various industrial sectors.
Q4. How does hydrogen storage work?
Answer: Hydrogen storage involves compressing or liquefying hydrogen for transport and use. It requires advanced technologies due to hydrogen's low energy density.
Q5. What role does hydrogen play in energy security?
Answer: Hydrogen enhances energy security by providing a versatile and reliable energy source that can diversify energy supply and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Question 1: What is green hydrogen primarily produced from?
A) Natural gas
B) Water electrolysis using renewable energy
C) Fossil fuels
D) Coal
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which type of hydrogen is associated with nuclear energy?
A) Grey hydrogen
B) Blue hydrogen
C) Green hydrogen
D) Pink hydrogen
Correct Answer: D
Question 3: What is a significant challenge of hydrogen fuel cells?
A) Low-temperature operation
B) High production costs
C) High efficiency
D) Easy storage
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which hydrogen type has zero carbon emissions during production?
A) Grey hydrogen
B) Blue hydrogen
C) Green hydrogen
D) Pink hydrogen
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is one application of hydrogen in industries?
A) Water purification
B) Production of chemicals and fuels
C) Solar panel creation
D) Wind turbine manufacturing
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: What is a key benefit of using hydrogen as an energy source?
A) It produces CO2 when burned
B) It is abundant and versatile
C) It is expensive to produce
D) It can only be used for transportation
Correct Answer: B
Question 7: Which hydrogen type has the lowest carbon footprint?
A) Grey hydrogen
B) Blue hydrogen
C) Green hydrogen
D) Pink hydrogen
Correct Answer: C
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