Hydrogen Energy

Attractive alternative for future energy needs

GE is leading the way to create technologies that provide the production, distribution and storage solutions to build a hydrogen infrastructure and utilize this more environmentally friendly carbon-free fuel to power the world.

Today's global economy is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. The transportation sector uses mass amounts of petroleum, and electricity generation is fueled primarily by coal and natural gas. While these fuels will most likely be the dominant sources of power in the foreseeable future, there is a large movement to shift to a more environmentally friendly carbon-free and independent fuel to drive the world. The biggest bet is being made on hydrogen from both the private and public sectors. Hydrogen energy is an attractive alternative for future energy needs for two main reasons: Energy independence and environmental impact. But in order to truly move to a "hydrogen economy" a vast infrastructure needs to be put in place.

GE has a long and proven history of creating the necessary infrastructure for new technologies. From the birth of the electrical distribution grid to key enablers for the transportation and healthcare industries, GE's experience in building new infrastructure around the globe positions the company to take a leadership role in developing the future technologies for our world's energy needs.

GE's Hydrogen Energy Research Focus

Production

While hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements in our atmosphere, there is no easy way to collect it for use, so it must be produced. GE is discovering the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to produce large quantities of hydrogen needed to sustain a hydrogen economy. We are investigating natural gas reformation and coal gasification with carbon capture/sequestration techniques, electrolysis tied with existing grid and renewable sources, and long range technologies including next generation nuclear hydrogen production.

Distribution & Storage

We currently have a vast infrastructure in place to distribute petroleum products for our transportation needs with known storage methods. The use of hydrogen will require a completely new distribution infrastructure and storage techniques. GE is leading the research to determine the most effective way to distribute and store hydrogen across a national and international network. Major research programs include advance metal hydrides and other energy storage methods.

End Use

GE is creating the technologies of the future that will use hydrogen as the base fuel to create energy with little or no emissions. Major research programs include solid oxide fuel cells and advance energy cycles including hydrogen-based power plants with CO2 capture techniques.