Europe's blue hydrogen projects could cause emissions equivalent to Denmark's output

Planned blue hydrogen projects in Europe may produce emissions on the scale of Denmark's annual output, raising concerns over their environmental impact as EU officials debate whether to subsidize this technology as a low-carbon solution.

Aline Nippert reports for DeSmog.


In short:

  • Blue hydrogen, made from natural gas, could generate 38 million tonnes of CO2 annually if planned projects are approved.
  • Industry estimates suggest these projects could consume more natural gas than France’s annual usage.
  • Critics argue the technology could increase gas demand, undermining EU climate goals.

Key quote:

"We should be very cautious with blue hydrogen. We should not buy into a false sense of complacency that it is a low-carbon fuel."

— Lorenzo Sani, power analyst at Carbon Tracker

Why this matters:

While blue hydrogen is promoted as a cleaner fuel, it still relies heavily on natural gas, raising concerns about methane leaks and CO2 emissions. Without strict regulations, the technology may hinder the transition to truly green energy.

Aerial panoramic landscape view of Sahel and oasis at Dogondoutchi, Niger
Credit: HomoCosmicos/BigStock Photo ID: 259021687

After decades of drought, water is rising in the African Sahel

Warming has brought extreme rainfall to the parched Sahel, which is seeing aquifers refill as monsoons grow stronger. But heavier downpours alone cannot explain the groundwater revival, say hydrologists, who believe efforts to harvest rain, along with tree-planting projects, may be paying dividends.
Nuclear power cooling towers

Nuclear energy revival puts Westinghouse in prime position

The company, which filed for bankruptcy protection in 2017, stands to benefit from growing support for nuclear power and President Trump’s deal with Saudi Arabia.
Solar panels with wind turbines and high voltage powerlines overhead
Credit: jaroslavav/BigStock Photo ID: 109519274

Texas’ grid operator prepares for more demand than ever this week

Amid triple-digit temperatures, solar and storage have created far more breathing room than in the last stretch of record energy demand.
Solar panels installed on a city balcony, generating solar energy.

Balcony solar is sweeping the US, but who’s actually selling it?

As consumer interest surges and state legislators get on board, a few businesses have jumped into the domestic market.
Solar panels with wind turbines and high voltage powerlines overhead
Credit: jaroslavav/BigStock Photo ID: 109519274

Texas transmission policy sharpens US competition fight

Electric utilities in other states are asking federal regulators to allow monopoly control over projects, while some critics want Texas to have more.

Drone aerial view of new Microsoft data centers.
Credit: Mauvries/BigStock Photo ID: 465964923

Environmental groups contest Texas data centers’ air pollution

Three environmental groups sent two San Antonio data centers a notice of intent to sue for failing to secure permits as major air polluters.
An overhead view of a white airplane on a brown tarmac

Stratospheric aerosol injection might make flights smoother

A new study suggests an intervention aimed at cooling the planet could have the additional benefit of reducing aircraft turbulence.
From our Newsroom
Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro speaks with the state flag and American flag behind him.

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

silhouette of people holding hands by a lake at sunset

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

wildfire retardants being sprayed by plane

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.

Stay informed: sign up for The Daily Climate newsletter
Top news on climate impacts, solutions, politics, drivers. Delivered to your inbox week days.