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A Simple, Low-cost, and Robust System to Measure the Volume of Hydrogen Evolved by Chemical Reactions with Aqueous Solutions
Published on: August 17, 2016
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The global hydrogen budget
Zutao Ouyang1,2, Robert B Jackson3,4,5, Marielle Saunois6
1Department of Earth System Science, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
Nature
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Hydrogen (H2) is crucial for decarbonization but has climate impacts. This study quantizes H2 sources, sinks, and their warming effect, revealing a 0.02°C rise from 2010-2020.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Chemistry and Climate Science
- Environmental Science and Sustainability
- Energy Policy and Climate Mitigation
Background:
- Hydrogen (H2) is proposed as a key energy carrier for decarbonization.
- However, H2's indirect global warming potential necessitates a thorough understanding of its atmospheric interactions.
- Concerns exist regarding the climate consequences of expanding H2 economies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze global H2 sources and sinks from 1990 to 2020.
- To construct a comprehensive H2 budget for the 2010-2020 decade.
- To assess the impact of rising atmospheric H2 on global surface air temperature (GSAT).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of trends in global H2 sources and sinks over three decades.
- Construction of a detailed H2 budget for the 2010-2020 period.
- Estimation of GSAT changes attributed to atmospheric H2 increases.
Main Results:
- Global H2 sources and sinks increased from 1990-2020, driven by methane oxidation, VOCs, nitrogen fixation, and H2 production leakage.
- Estimated average H2 sources and sinks for 2010-2020 were 69.9 ± 9.4 Tg yr⁻¹ and 68.4 ± 18.1 Tg yr⁻¹, respectively.
- Rising atmospheric H2 between 2010-2020 contributed to a GSAT increase of 0.02 ± 0.006 °C.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive H2 budget is essential for managing environmental risks associated with future hydrogen economies.
- Regional analysis shows Africa and South America as major H2 source/sink hubs, while East Asia and North America lead in fossil fuel emissions.
- Future GSAT impacts are projected to remain modest (0.01-0.05 °C) but depend on H2 usage, leakage, and methane emissions.
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