The science of H₂

The element of
life and the universe

A basic element for life and the most abundant in the entire universe — fuel of the stars and the fourth most abundant element on the planet.

GaseousFlammableColourlessOdourlessInsoluble in waterNeither metal nor non-metal

Energy

An enormous amount
of energy in a minimal size

Despite its size, H₂ holds an enormous amount of energy. Every fuel is made up mostly of H₂ and C — the richer in Hydrogen, the higher its calorific value.

Higher Heating Value
~3×

H₂ holds roughly three times more energy per kilogram than petrol, making it one of the most efficient fuels known.

Fuel comparison
FuelDensity
(kg/L or m³)
Calorific value
Low–High (MJ/kg)
CO₂ emissions
(kg/L or m³)
Diesel 0.85 35.8 – 42.7 2.7
Ethanol 0.79 19.6 – 26.8 1.5
Natural Gas 0.80 37.4 – 44.0 1.9
Petrol 0.76 31.8 – 44.4 2.3
Hydrogen 0.09 120.1 – 141.9 0.0
HECO Prime hydrogen storage tank in a field with wind turbines

Hydrogen is storable in liquid or gaseous form — and transportable to wherever the energy is needed.

Applications

Unmatched versatility

With such versatility, H₂ is considered one of the best paths to decarbonising the economy.

Energy

Clean energy generation and distribution.

Transport

Fuel cell vehicles.

Industry

Industrial input and raw material.

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical and medical products.

Fertilisers

Ammonia and fertiliser synthesis.

Industrial Heat

Heat source for industrial processes.

Chemical Processes

Catalyst and reagent.

Reducing Agent

Metal reduction in metallurgy.

Organic Reactions

Reagent in organic synthesis.

Storage

Renewable energy storage.

Classification

Types of hydrogen

Classified by colour according to CO₂ emissions, production method and raw materials.

Grey · H2C

Grey Hydrogen

The most widely used method. Produced from Natural Gas or Petroleum, releasing CO₂ as a by-product.

Blue · H2A

Blue Hydrogen

Produced from fossil hydrocarbons with CO₂ capture. A low-carbon process compared to Grey.

Green · H2V — what Heco does

Green Hydrogen

Water electrolysis powered by renewable energy. Zero CO₂ emissions — the future of energy.

Process

Standard H2V cycle

Using renewable energy, the water molecule is split into H₂ and O₂ — without any CO₂ emissions.

01

Renewable Energy

Solar and wind power the process.

02

H₂O Electrolysis

Electric current splits the molecule.

03

H₂ + O₂ Generation

Zero CO₂ emissions.

04

Storage

Liquid or gaseous, in tanks.

05

End Use

Transport, industry, energy.

Meet the
Hydrogen Generator

Patented technology that produces Green Hydrogen on demand, with an unbeatable energy balance.

See the generator