How Green Hydrogen is Transforming the Global Energy Landscape
At Plus Natural Resources (+NR), we understand that achieving the 2030 and 2050 decarbonization targets will require strategic allies capable of delivering real, scalable solutions. As an integrated partner, +NR is positioned to support companies and governments in the energy transition through the engineering, supply, and construction of infrastructure for green hydrogen and other low-carbon technologies. Countries such as Spain, India, Chile, and Mexico are making significant investments in renewable energy and green hydrogen initiatives.
For instance, Mexico has announced plans to invest $21 billion in 18 clean hydrogen projects to reduce greenhouse gases and nurture a green hydrogen industry . Similarly, Spain has allocated over €700 million in national funds to support renewable hydrogen production projects . These efforts underscore a global commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
This post explores how green hydrogen is reshaping the energy landscape and how +NR can contribute at every stage of the transformation process.
Green Hydrogen: An Ally in Decarbonization
Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water, an electrochemical process that uses electricity from renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, to split the water molecule (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂). For the process to be considered sustainable, it is essential that the electricity used comes exclusively from renewable sources, ensuring that no carbon dioxide emissions occur during production. The energy efficiency of electrolysis depends on several factors, including the technology used, such as alkaline electrolyzers, proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, or solid oxide electrolyzers, as well as operational conditions like system pressure and temperature.
Among electrolysis technologies, alkaline electrolyzers are widely used for their robustness and low operating costs, while PEM electrolyzers offer higher current density and fast response to load variations, making them ideal for integration with intermittent sources, such as solar and wind power. Solid oxide electrolyzers, although still in the commercial development phase, promise higher efficiency when operating at high temperatures, utilizing residual heat from industrial processes. The choice of technology directly depends on the final application and available infrastructure, influencing the total cost of the hydrogen produced.
In addition to contributing to emissions reduction, green hydrogen offers unique versatility, being used as fuel for heavy vehicles, such as trucks and buses, which require long range and rapid refueling, overcoming the limitations of conventional electric batteries. In the industrial sector, it is employed as a raw material in the production of ammonia, methanol, and synthetic fuels, replacing gray hydrogen produced from natural gas. Its application in power generation is also promising, mainly in the form of fuel cells, which directly convert hydrogen into electricity with high efficiency and low pollutant emissions.
Another relevant aspect is its capacity for storage and transportation. Hydrogen can be compressed or liquefied to facilitate handling, or even converted into derivatives, such as ammonia or methanol, which are more stable and allow for transportation using existing infrastructure. In the context of the energy transition, green hydrogen also functions as an energy vector, enabling seasonal electricity storage and ensuring energy supply security, especially in regions with significant variability in renewable generation.
Thus, green hydrogen is consolidated as a strategic solution for various sectors, offering sustainable alternatives for both mobility and high energy consumption industrial processes. Its disruptive potential is directly linked to the technological advancement of electrolysis systems and the development of efficient logistics chains, enabling large-scale production and use in a cost-effective way.
Infrastructure and Technological Challenges
The implementation of green hydrogen projects requires robust infrastructure and advanced technologies for gas production, storage, and transportation. In Europe, countries like Germany, Spain, and Portugal are leading initiatives to create an integrated hydrogen market, leveraging their renewable energy generation potential.
However, significant challenges still need to be addressed, particularly in terms of production efficiency and cost. For green hydrogen to establish itself as a pillar of the energy transition, continuous investments in research and development are essential.
Innovation and Opportunities for Engineering
The energy transition driven by green hydrogen is opening a vast field of opportunities for engineering. The demand for solutions that enable efficient production, integration into the electrical grid, and safe hydrogen storage is growing rapidly. At Plus Natural Resources (+NR), we are committed to supporting green hydrogen infrastructure projects by providing innovative and integrated solutions, from conceptual planning to execution and maintenance. With our multidisciplinary approach, we deliver technical expertise that transforms ideas into actionable, sustainable projects.
In addition to our work in renewables, we apply these same technologies and intelligent engineering practices to mining and oil & gas projects, reducing their environmental footprint and enhancing long-term viability. By designing smarter, lower-impact solutions, we help our clients align development with environmental and social expectations, enabling more responsible resource use and future-ready operations.
Our Commitment to the Energy Transition
Investing in green hydrogen means investing in the future of clean energy. At +NR, we position ourselves as a strategic partner for companies leading this transformation, not only in the renewable energy space but also across mining and oil & gas sectors, where we apply sustainable methodologies to unlock value while protecting the environment.
Our goal is to contribute to a cleaner and more resilient global energy matrix by engineering practical, scalable solutions tailored to each project’s context. Whether it's integrating hydrogen into energy systems or reducing the footprint of industrial operations, we are ready to support our clients in building smarter, more sustainable projects.
If you would like to learn more about our renewable energy initiatives or how we can support your business in its sustainability journey, please contact our team.