More traditionally recognized for its frozen landscapes and extreme climate, the Arctic region is a concentrated source of energy resources whose potential is superior to all the world’s gas reserves. Hydrogen as a potential future fuel source in the Arctic has also been debated and studied lately. The article discusses the viability of hydrogen in the Arctic region, its encouraging advantages, and the issues that must be addressed.

The Arctic may be hiding the next big energy revolution — hydrogen.

The severe ecological hazards of conventional energy sources make the Arctic region turn toward hydrogen power as a solution. Leadership and scientists gathered at Reykjavik, Iceland, for the Arctic Circle Assembly to analyze how future Arctic energy infrastructure should use hydrogen. The electrolytic separation of industrial water produces hydrogen gas and oxygen gas using a power supply. Renewable hydrogen from renewable energy sources supplies a pollution-free solution to safeguard Arctic regions that remain at environmental risk.

The Arctic Circle Assembly emphasized the promise of community cooperation in developing sustainable energy futures. Specialists from different regions across the globe, such as Alaska, Canada, and the Nordic nations, shared knowledge on developing renewable energy initiatives in remote communities. Dr. Michael Ross from the Yukon Research Centre stressed the need for collaboration with local communities so that the latter would benefit from the green transition. This collaboration is essential for properly implementing hydrogen projects within the Arctic.

The Arctic’s hidden hydrogen supply is barely being used — here’s what needs to change.

Arctic hydrogen potential is enormous but untapped. Klaus Skytte, CEO of Nordic Energy Research, notes that 0.2% of the potential currently operates within the Arctic region, while 1% is under construction. Nordic Hydrogen Valleys actively works on mapping hydrogen value chains across Nordic countries and establishes future growth plans. Realizing hydrogen’s potential requires sustained investments and better financial incitements.

Despite hydrogen’s advantages, its implementation within the Arctic is hindered by many factors. One major factor is the vast investment and labor needed to convert existing gas infrastructure into hydrogen-supported infrastructure. The harsh environment within the Arctic adds to the challenge because materials and technologies capable of performing within the harsh temperatures and environmental strain must be used. Hydrogen transportation and distribution networks must also be established because remote areas within the Arctic region make it difficult to do so without proper logistical planning and capital support.

If hydrogen is the future, these challenges need solutions now.

Another difficulty lies in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emission upon hydrogen combustion. While significantly lower than the combustion emissions from natural gas or oil, these are nonetheless not zero. Effective mitigation strategies, either through advanced combustion techniques or fuel cells as a combustion substitute, will be needed to limit the environmental impacts and allow clean power production. Establishing cost-efficient and scaleable techniques for reducing the emission of NOx will also be necessary to further promote hydrogen as a carrier for the region.

Moreover, hydrogen storage during the seasonally available periods is logistically challenging. Hydrogen storage requires copious quantities of purified water for the electrolysis process, which could compromise the freshwater supply resources of the isolated Arctic communities. Water supply chain and environmental extraction measures will take center stage in preventing unforeseen environmental consequences while facilitating hydrogen as an energy source.

Moreover, the efficiency of the hydrogen storage process under very low temperatures remains a challenge as the pressure and insulation necessary for long-term storage could prove costly and technologically demanding. Despite these challenges, ongoing research and development focus on producing hydrogen with better efficiencies and lower energies. Collaboration, technological advancement, and policy support are called for toward a cleaner and greener Arctic and the world.