Stellantis Media Site Hydrogen Fact Sheet                                                Contact:                                                                                                                                                Hydrogen Fact Sheet                                                                                     What is hydrogen?  Hydrogen (H2) is the simplest, lightest element in the universe. It is made up of one proton and one electron. In its normal gaseous state, hydrogen is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and nontoxic. When hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere, it is so light that it scatters immediately upward in the air because it is 14 times lighter than air.  Where is hydrogen found?  Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe, making up more than 90 percent of all matter. It is the third most abundant element in the Earth’s surface, found in water and all organic matter.Where is hydrogen produced?   Hydrogen is now made from natural gas (methane), petroleum, coal, various chemical reactions and from biomass (landfill waste, wastewater sludge and livestock waste). It can also be made from water by electrolysis. Currently, it is made primarily from natural gas, which is non-renewable.Does hydrogen burn?  Hydrogen burns readily with oxygen, releasing considerable energy as heat and producing only water as exhaust. When hydrogen burns in air (which is mostly nitrogen), some oxides of nitrogen (NOx, contributors to smog and acid rain) can be formed, but much fewer pollutants are formed than when normal hydrocarbon fuels such as gasoline and diesel are burned. Because no carbon is involved, using hydrogen fuel eliminates carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and does not contribute to global warming.Can hydrogen be stored safely?   Tanks currently in use for storage of compressed hydrogen at 5000 psi (similar to compressed natural gas tanks) have survived intact through testing by various means, including being shot with six rounds from a .357 Magnum, detonating a stick of dynamite next to them and subjecting them to fire at 1500°F / 815°C.What else should I know about hydrogen?   Hydrogen is less flammable than gasoline. The self-ignition temperature of hydrogen is 1022°F / 550°C. Gasoline varies from 442-933°F / 228-501°C, depending on the grade. Are there environmental advantages to using hydrogen?   Yes.  Advantages include:• Hydrogen produces non-polluting water as the exhaust in a fuel cell vehicle. • Hydrogen can help prevent the depletion of fossil fuel reserves. • Hydrogen can be produced out of renewable energy sources like wind, water and solar power, as well as biomass.What else is hydrogen used for?   Today hydrogen is used primarily as a feedstock, intermediate chemical or specialty chemical. Many envision a hydrogen future that will use hydrogen as an energy carrier or fuel.