According to the vision of the Hydrogen Economy, how must hydrogen be produced so that it can be used as a renewable and non-polluting source of energy?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → By splitting water using solar energy
Hydrogen is an ideal alternative to carbonaceous fuels because its combustion gives only water. To make it renewable and non-polluting, the hydrogen itself must come from splitting water using solar energy; this is the vision of the Hydrogen Economy.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) From fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas — Incorrect. Fossil fuels are not renewable, and burning them gives carbon dioxide, which causes the Greenhouse Effect.
Option (2) By electrolysis of water using electricity from thermal plants that burn coal — Incorrect.
Electrolysis of water is one way of making hydrogen, but here the energy comes from burning coal.
Thermal plants burning fossil fuels are a major source of pollution, and the carbon dioxide they give off is what the Hydrogen Economy sets out to avoid. The water must be split using solar energy.
Option (4) By decomposing water in a hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell — Incorrect. A hydrogen–oxygen fuel cell uses up hydrogen: it combines hydrogen with oxygen to form water.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
The Hydrogen Economy – “…In order to avoid such a catastrope, we need to limit our use of carbonaceous fuels. Hydrogen provides an ideal alternative as its combustion results in water only. Hydrogen production must come from splitting water using solar energy. Therefore, hydrogen can be used as a renewable and non polluting source of energy. This is the vision of the Hydrogen Economy.”