Gulf power generators are turning increasingly to solar projects to free up hydrocarbons for export. But, as the global energy industry looks to reduce its carbon footprint, using renewables to produce hydrogen is being studied as a means of delivering and storing clean energy.

Of current global hydrogen output, some 96% comes from fossil fuels via steam reforming. Natural gas is the main source of hydrogen, accounting for almost a half of global output, with oil and coal combined providing a similar amount. Given that very little of this incorporates carbon capture, this is clearly not a green technology. (CONTINUED - 658 WORDS)