Hydrogen used in industry is still largely produced from natural gas, while green hydrogen is primarily obtained through electrolysis. When comparing these methods, the underlying conditions are often not clearly differentiated, making it difficult for non specialists to assess them accurately. In this presentation, several hydrogen production approaches and processes are therefore compared, with a focus on a purely chemical analysis aimed at developing an understanding at a fundamental level.
As a technological alternative, pyrolysis and thermolysis technologies are presented, highlighting their potential in the context of waste utilization and closed material cycles. Additional aspects, such as transport and system boundaries, are considered to illustrate the range of environmental factors involved. This leads to further discussion points regarding decentralisation and local value creation, particularly through solutions provided by small and medium-sized enterprises. Finally, the price of energy is included in the analysis, underlining its relevance for the selection of appropriate hydrogen production solutions depending on specific conditions.