Understanding the Colors of Hydrogen


Hydrogen can be categorized into seven types based on a color spectrum: gray, brown, blue, turquoise, green, pink, and yellow. However, please note that these color labels do not literally reflect the actual color of the hydrogen, as hydrogen is inherently colorless. Instead, these color designations indicate the differences in hydrogen based on its energy sources, production methods, and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.

Hydrogen Color Spectrum Diagram


Gray Hydrogen

Gray hydrogen is produced from natural gas using Steam Methane Reforming (SMR). The production process results in high GHG emissions.

Brown Hydrogen

Brown hydrogen is produced from gasified coal. Similar to gray hydrogen, its production process also results in high GHG emissions.

Blue Hydrogen

Blue hydrogen is produced from natural gas using SMR or gasified coal, combined with Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reduce GHG emissions from the production process.

Turquoise Hydrogen

Turquoise hydrogen is produced from natural gas through pyrolysis. The production process results in low GHG emissions and produces solid carbon as a byproduct.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using electricity from renewable energy sources, resulting in zero GHG emissions during its production process.

Pink Hydrogen

Pink hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using electricity generated from nuclear power plants. The production process results in very low GHG emissions.

Yellow Hydrogen

Yellow hydrogen is produced through electrolysis using electricity from the grid. Its GHG emissions depend on the grid's energy mix.


References:

  • Institute for Essential Services Reform. (2026). Pengenalan Hidrogen Hijau.
  • Kementerian Energi dan Sumber Daya Mineral. (2025). Peta Jalan Hidrogen dan Amonia Nasional.
  • A. Ajanovic, M. Sayer, and R. Haas. (2022). The Economics and The Environmental Benignity of Different Colors of Hydrogen.
  • Yick Eu Chew, Xin Hui Cheng, Adrian Chun Minh Loy, Bing Shen How, dan Viknesh Andiappan. (2023). Beyond the Colours of Hydrogen: Opportunities for Process Systems Engineering in Hydrogen Economy.

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