Question

from petroleum refining to fuel for residential heating, hydrogen has many applications. currently, producing hydrogen is carbon intensive, but alexandra m. oliveira is one of many scholars investigating the feasibility of large - scale production of hydrogen through electrolysis, a process that emits no carbon when renewable energy is used. oliveira suggests that although some obstacles may prevent electrolytic hydrogen from dominating energy systems, there is utility in its ability to decarbonize the petroleum and heating industries, where reducing carbon emissions is especially challenging. which statement about the use of hydrogen in the petroleum and heating industries is most strongly supported by the text? a. the adoption of electrolytic hydrogen by these industries has been impeded by concerns about how carbon intensive its production is. b. development of applications for electrolytic hydrogen is less advanced in these industries than it is in most other carbon - intensive industries. c. at least some of electrolytic hydrogen’s potential to lessen these industries’ carbon emissions is as yet unrealized. d. the fact that large - scale electrolytic hydrogen production is not yet available has limited these industries’ interest in pursuing hydrogen - based applications.

Explanation:

The text states that hydrogen from electrolysis (using renewable energy) emits no carbon, making it useful for decarbonizing petroleum and heating industries where reducing carbon emissions is challenging. This directly supports the utility of electrolytic hydrogen in these industries. Option A is incorrect because the text mentions no carbon emissions, not that adoption is impeded. Option B is incorrect as the text does not compare its carbon intensity to other industries. Option C is incorrect because the text does not state the potential is unrealized; it highlights its utility. Option D is incorrect as the text does not mention limited availability or lack of interest.

Answer:

B. Development of applications for electrolytic hydrogen is less advanced in these industries than it is in most other carbon-intensive industries.