The 5 misconceptions about hydrogen

Many people think of hydrogen as something new—a futuristic technology that has only recently gained attention. This isn’t entirely true. Hydrogen has been used for decades in industrial processes. However, numerous misconceptions still surround hydrogen, especially as it gains prominence in the energy transition. Let’s debunk some of these myths. 

Misconception 1: It’s too dangerous

A common belief is that hydrogen is too dangerous because it’s highly flammable. While hydrogen is indeed very flammable, it also disperses more quickly than natural gas due to its low density. Additionally, it requires more energy to ignite at low concentrations. Another safety factor: there’s no risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, this isn’t produced when using hydrogen. 

All flammable gases, including natural gas, require specific safety measures. Hydrogen simply necessitates a different approach, but is not inherently more dangerous. When used and stored correctly, hydrogen is as safe as the gases we currently use in industries and households. This has been confirmed through various pilot projects in the Netherlands and abroad. 

Misconception 2: Hydrogen seeps through pipe walls

Another persistent myth is that hydrogen leaks everywhere because its molecules are smaller than those of natural gas. While it’s true that hydrogen can penetrate materials - just like natural gas or any other gas - this phenomenon, called permeation (sometimes referred to as diffusion), involves incredibly small quantities. 

Permeation of hydrogen doesn’t pose any additional safety risks, just as the permeation of natural gas doesn’t. It’s true that hydrogen permeates plastics slightly more than natural gas due to its smaller molecular size. However, the amounts are negligible and pose no safety threat. Moreover, permeation through steel pipes is even smaller, making it more of a theoretical concern than a practical one. 

Misconception 3: Hydrogen makes steel brittle

This misconception is related to the previous one. Hydrogen can indeed penetrate steel and the phenomenon of hydrogen embrittlement is real. However, this occurs only under much higher pressures and temperatures than those used in the Dutch gas network. Even Gasunie’s (Dutch energy network operator) transport pipelines are not at significant risk of becoming brittle. 

That said, this principle is acknowledged and the correct types of steel are used to prevent failures. Pipes are also thoroughly inspected to ensure there are no hidden cracks that could expand. In general, much of the infrastructure currently used for natural gas can be repurposed for hydrogen. 

Misconception 4: Equipment for hydrogen applications is bulky

Some worry about the size of equipment required for hydrogen applications, imagining that hydrogen boilers, for example, would take up an entire attic or production space. This isn’t true. The hydrogen boilers being developed today are comparable in size to current gas boilers. 

Misconception 5: Hydrogen is inefficient and therefore not useful

It’s true that converting electricity into hydrogen is less efficient than using electricity directly. However, in many cases, converting excess electricity into hydrogen can be very useful. Grid congestion - when the electricity grid becomes overloaded - sometimes results in excess electricity. Instead of wasting this energy, we can store it as hydrogen. 

This makes hydrogen a vital link in stabilizing our energy supply. Additionally, some industrial processes simply can’t run on electricity, making hydrogen a viable alternative to natural gas.