In this episode of Balancing the Future, hosts Chai Nussbaumer and Micah Schweizer dive deep into the complex world of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Featuring insights from Nipun Kaushik, an Electromechanical Engineer at Capgemini Engineering, the episode unpacks the various forms of hydrogen—ranging from gray and black to blue, pink, green, white, and gold—and their differing environmental impacts and production methods.
The discussion highlights pilot projects in Scotland using hydrogen for residential heating, hydrogen-powered buses in China, and hydrogen rail systems in Germany, illustrating real-world applications that could shape the future energy mix. The episode also explores the technical challenges surrounding hydrogen storage, transportation, and combustion, including issues like nitrogen oxide emissions and the volatility of hydrogen.
Nipun explains that while green hydrogen produced through electrolysis is the cleanest form, it currently comes with high costs and infrastructure hurdles. He touches on the competitive landscape where renewable energy funding sometimes favors emerging sectors like AI data centers, which also demand significant power resources.
The conversation further examines hydrogen’s potential in mobility, especially for heavy-duty and long-distance transport, where refueling speed and range offer advantages over battery electric vehicles. Additionally, hydrogen's critical role in industries such as semiconductor manufacturing is emphasized, underscoring its importance beyond just energy.
Despite existing challenges, Nipun remains optimistic about hydrogen’s place in the broader energy transition, encouraging those interested in the field to stay hopeful and adaptable.
The episode offers a balanced perspective on hydrogen's promise and pitfalls, making it an insightful listen for anyone interested in sustainable technologies and the future of clean energy.
Listen to the episode now on your favorite streaming platform: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Amazon Music.
Electromechanical Engineer and Engineering Consultant at Capgemini Engineering
Nipun Kaushik is specialized in energy transition and electro-mechanical design projects, and his career focuses on the research and development of sustainable mobility and energy technologies.
