MIT Hydrogen Resources

Hydrogen

This explainer introduces hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier with the potential to help reduce climate-warming emissions. It explains how hydrogen—a clean-burning fuel that produces only water when used—can be made from different sources, and how its climate impact depends heavily on the production method. The resource outlines current uses of hydrogen, future applications in hard-to-decarbonize sectors like heavy transport and industry, and the challenges in scaling up clean hydrogen production and infrastructure.

How clean is green hydrogen?

This Ask MIT Climate article explains how hydrogen’s climate benefits depend on how it’s produced. It highlights that while hydrogen emits only water when used as a fuel, the emissions tied to its production vary widely: most hydrogen today is made from natural gas (grey hydrogen), which creates significant CO₂, whereas “green” hydrogen—made by using renewable electricity to split water—can produce very low emissions but is currently rare and expensive. The article explores the challenges and opportunities in making hydrogen truly clean and useful for decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors.

Today I Learned About Hydrogen Education

This educator guide from MIT’s Today I Learned: Climate series provides a hands-on classroom resource about hydrogen energy. It includes activities and background on how hydrogen is produced (from both fossil fuels and renewables), how fuel cells and batteries work, and where hydrogen could help replace fossil fuels in industry and energy systems. Designed for teachers and students, the guide supports exploration of energy sources, climate impact, and the science behind hydrogen as a potential low-carbon energy carrier.

Why have electric vehicles won out over hydrogen cars (so far)?

This Ask MIT Climate answer discusses why battery electric vehicles (EVs) have become more common than hydrogen fuel-cell cars. It explains that EVs today are generally cheaper and benefit from an existing electricity infrastructure, while hydrogen cars are more expensive, require new refueling networks, and face hydrogen fuel cost challenges. The piece also notes some advantages of hydrogen—such as faster refueling and longer range—and why hydrogen might still play a role in heavy transport and future mobility if costs and infrastructure improve.

These resource were created as part of the climate portal by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).