Blue Hydrogen: A Potential Game Changer for Petroleum Producing Nations

Amidst our energy problems, “blue hydrogen” has been commonly repeated as a potential solution for many countries. It would thus be beneficial that an articulate piece exists, enabling a better understanding of this subject. Nigeria (an example of a petroleum producing nation) currently has a population of about 200 million persons and is anticipated to grow to 400 million by 2050. Electricity access is currently restricted to less than its existing 100 million people. Could blue hydrogen be a solution to its current energy poverty battle? In this book chapter, blue hydrogen production is explored; its production from petroleum is discussed in detail. The various types of technologies utilised are explained following detailed research, with each’s limitations stated. The “Blue” in “Blue Hydrogen” stems from the inculcation of Carbon Capture technologies into fossil fuel—hydrogen production and therefore, a CCUS discussion here is also warranted. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCUS will be responsible for a 30% decrease in emissions by 2070; CCUS therefore seems a tool that could mitigate climate change in petroleum producing nations and beyond. The Singaporean Hydrogen Strategy is finally discussed with the belief that it contains lessons that would be useful for these nations. This research shows that Blue Hydrogen could be a game changer for such nations if the journey commences appropriately. The chapter, although centred on petroleum producing nations, contains a slight hint of Nigeria: an actual example aimed at “injecting more life” into the chapter’s content.