The Hydrogen Myth

Hydrogen cell technology is one of the latest alternative fuel systems being produced within the car industry. Presented as a zero-emission option, consumers are led to believe that alongside fuel cost savings, they’re also doing their bit for the environment.

But is this true?

Hydrogen Powered CCTV

This type of energy is widely available in today’s CCTV tower market, providing the necessary power requirement for 24-hour security. However, hydrogen is not as green as it first seems, as the manufacturing and logistics of this technology tell a different story. Here’s why –

Approximately 95% of hydrogen is produced by a process called steam reforming which releases greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming.

The CO2 released in the process of producing hydrogen from fossil fuels cancels out any benefits to the environment.

Due to its low energy density, hydrogen needs to be stored and transported under high pressure – making it bulky and increasing transport cost and in turn emissions.

Hydrogen batteries in CCTV towers need changing every 3-4 weeks, increasing carbon footprint stemming from regular travel to and from site.

This highly flammable, odourless, low-lying gas impacts heavily on H&S requirements.

Our Solar Pledge

Solar energy is currently the most eco-friendly method of powering a CCTV tower and now powers 64% of our tower fleet, with 36% on mains electricity and none through hydrogen. Other alternative power supplies such as methanol cells or diesel generators have an even higher carbon footprint than hydrogen and should be avoided wherever possible.

Carbon footprint by power source

Hydrogen power is 16 times more damaging to the environment than solar energy

In contrast to solar energy, hydrogen has a high CO2 footprint, particularly when compared to a global average target of 15gCO2e/kWh by 2050. Solar technology is widely regarded as the most practical, eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels due to its low carbon manufacturing footprint and zero-emissions.

As part of our ongoing commitment in developing cleaner, more environmentally sustainable technology, we are making a pledge to transfer our entire CCTV tower range to solar power by 2025. In addition to this, we will be focusing on power reduction, enabling us to move to smaller solar panels and batteries to further aid the environment.