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Hydrogen is of great interest as an energy source, and is attracting more and more attention in terms of achieving sustainable development goals. But what exactly is it? Although it is the most abundant element in the universe, hydrogen barely exists, if at all, in its pure state in nature. Due to its strong reactivity, it associates with other atoms to form more stable molecules, such as water (H₂0) or methane (CH₄). It is considered an energy vector because, once isolated, it can store, transport and replenish energy.

To put it simply, it is produced by applying an electrical charge to water, which breaks the link between the atoms forming the H₂O molecule, thereby yielding two distinct gases: hydrogen and oxygen. This procedure is called electrolysis. The resulting hydrogen is then captured for future use of the potential energy it contains, whereas the oxygen can be captured and transported, or simply released into the atmosphere. To obtain green hydrogen, we have to use electricity generated through 100% renewable sources such as hydroelectric dams, wind farms, solar farms, biomass and geothermal energy When it is used, hydrogen reacts with the ambient oxygen and releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat or electricity, giving off nothing but water vapour as its combustion gas.

An exciting homegrown project

More and more large-scale projects are underway, with others on the horizon. Enbridge Gaz Québec recently announced the development of one of Canada’s largest projects for injecting clean hydrogen into a gas distribution network in Quebec. This project aims to operate a facility for the production of hydrogen by water electrolysis in the Outaouais region.

This project aligns perfectly with the goal of Enbridge Gaz Québec, which is to become the first natural gas distributor in North America to offer a network composed of 100% clean and renewable energies by 2050. The facility will make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Hydrogen is seen as the fuel of the future, giving us a promising glimpse of the many possibilities it holds.