Methods of hydrogen production. 'Les Notes Scientifiques de l'Office', Note no. 25

Hydrogen production today relies on fossil fuels (natural gas, oil and coal) and is accompanied by significant greenhouse gas emissions. Far from being a miracle solution, hydrogen can however become a relevant energy vector under the condition of 'decarbonization', either by carbon capture when using fossil fuels, or by recourse to electric power of nuclear or renewable origin in the case of production by electrolysis of water. This latter technique, more expensive and requiring a supply of water and especially electricity, is not in itself synonymous with carbon neutrality and represents a challenge for the future on which France is betting in a justified but exclusive way. Although not very mature and often more expensive, other modes of hydrogen carbon production should not be abandoned, either in terms of research or industry