Harnessing power of hydrogen critical to state’s energy transition

Written By: Dr. Van Romero, Vice President of Special Research Programs and Professor of Physics, New Mexico Tech | Albuquerque Journal | July 21, 2023

The time is now for New Mexico to move toward a new energy future.

The Department of Energy is investing $7 billion in regional clean energy Hydrogen Hubs. These hubs will produce, store, and burn hydrogen – a fuel that will help us meet the critical energy needs of our communities without emitting carbon, depending on how it is produced and managed.

A focus on hydrogen will benefit New Mexico’s energy landscape. First, hydrogen presents New Mexico with the opportunity to diversify our energy economy while meeting our energy needs. Hydrogen production, storage and burning will create sustainable, high-paying jobs in New Mexico and provide the fuel needed for many industrial processes.

Hydrogen is an important tool in the push to meet our country’s aggressive climate goals. Especially as the Biden administration looks to meet ambitious net zero goals by 2050. Investment in these technologies now is critical.

A true all-of-the-above, forward-thinking energy strategy will require investment in both green and blue hydrogen. Hydrogen generated from the electrolysis of water is referred to as “green hydrogen.” Its byproducts are hydrogen and oxygen, both of which are harmless. But electrolysis is expensive and uses a lot of water, a scarce resource in the state.