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◍ Environment & Energy·2 min·Updated Mar 13, 2026

What is Grey Hydrogen?

Grey Hydrogen

Quick Answer

A type of hydrogen produced from natural gas through a process called steam methane reforming, which releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. It is considered less environmentally friendly compared to other hydrogen production methods, like green hydrogen.

Overview

Grey hydrogen is produced by extracting hydrogen from natural gas using a method called steam methane reforming. This process involves reacting natural gas with steam at high temperatures, which separates hydrogen from carbon. While grey hydrogen is currently the most common method of hydrogen production, it results in significant carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to climate change. The importance of grey hydrogen lies in its role in the transition to cleaner energy sources. Although it is not a renewable energy source itself, it can serve as a bridge to cleaner alternatives, such as green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources like wind or solar power. For example, many industries use grey hydrogen as a feedstock for producing ammonia, which is essential for fertilizers and various chemical processes. As the world seeks to reduce carbon emissions, the focus is shifting towards more sustainable hydrogen production methods. While grey hydrogen is currently a major player in the hydrogen market, the push for greener alternatives is growing. Transitioning from grey to green hydrogen could help reduce the carbon footprint of hydrogen use and support global efforts to combat climate change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Grey hydrogen is produced from natural gas and emits carbon dioxide, while green hydrogen is made using renewable energy and does not produce greenhouse gases. This makes green hydrogen a more sustainable option for the future.
Grey hydrogen is primarily used in industrial processes, such as the production of ammonia for fertilizers and in refining petroleum. Its role is crucial in various chemical applications where hydrogen is needed.
Efforts are being made to capture and store the carbon dioxide emissions from grey hydrogen production, a process known as carbon capture and storage (CCS). While this can reduce its environmental impact, it still does not make grey hydrogen a renewable energy source.