Understanding Hydrogen Combustion for a Sustainable Energy Future

The accelerating effects of global warming and atmospheric pollution continue to challenge our understanding of Earth's climate system. As global temperatures rise and environmental instability increases, the need for sustainable, low-carbon energy carriers has become more urgent than ever. Among the leading candidates, hydrogen has emerged as a promising vector for clean energy. However, its widespread adoption remains constrained by persistent challenges, including high production costs, low volumetric energy density, and safety concerns related to storage and handling.

These complexities have driven renewed scientific efforts to better understand hydrogen’s combustion behavior. At CNRS-ICARE, ongoing studies aim to uncover the fundamental properties that govern hydrogen flame dynamics. Using advanced diagnostics and carefully controlled experiments, researchers are characterizing key parameters such as flame speed, temperature fields, and species formation. These efforts are laying the groundwork for more efficient and environmentally responsible combustion strategies.

Much like digital tools have transformed our engagement with music, literature, and the arts, modern diagnostic and computational techniques are redefining how we investigate flame phenomena. This research not only informs engineering design—it reshapes the conceptual foundations of clean energy science. Ultimately, hydrogen is poised to become more than a fuel; it may serve as a critical bridge between scientific discovery and the urgent demands of climate resilience.

Speaker

Seong-Young Lee

LE STUDIUM Research Professor 

FROM: Michigan Technological University - USA 
IN RESIDENCE AT: The Institute of Combustion Aerothermal Reactivity and Environment (ICARE) / CNRS - FR