Vesivetyllä

Vesivetyllä is a Finnish term that translates to "water hydrogen" or "water-based hydrogen." It refers to hydrogen gas produced using water as the primary feedstock, typically through a process called electrolysis. Electrolysis involves splitting water molecules (H₂O) into hydrogen (H₂) and oxygen (O₂) using an electric current.

The source of electricity used in this process is crucial for determining the environmental impact of vesivetyllä. When renewable energy sources like solar, wind, or hydropower are used to power the electrolysis, the resulting hydrogen is considered "green hydrogen," a clean energy carrier with virtually no greenhouse gas emissions. If electricity from fossil fuels is used, the hydrogen is classified as "grey hydrogen" and its production still contributes to carbon emissions. "Blue hydrogen" is produced from natural gas with carbon capture and storage, offering a reduction in emissions compared to grey hydrogen.

Vesivetyllä holds significant potential as a sustainable fuel and industrial feedstock. It can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity for transportation, heating, and industrial processes, producing only water vapor as a byproduct. In industry, it can be a component in the production of ammonia, methanol, and for refining processes. The development and scaling of vesivetyllä production are key aspects of global efforts to decarbonize various sectors and transition to a more sustainable energy system. Challenges include the cost-effectiveness of electrolysis, the availability of renewable electricity, and the infrastructure required for hydrogen storage and transportation.