Calcium hydride is widely used as a desiccant for drying solvents and gases due to its strong affinity for water. It is particularly effective in removing trace amounts of moisture from organic solvents, making it valuable in laboratory and industrial settings. Additionally, it serves as a reducing agent in metallurgical processes, where it helps extract metals from their oxides. In hydrogen storage applications, calcium hydride releases hydrogen gas upon reaction with water, making it useful in portable hydrogen generators. It is also employed in the production of certain chemicals and as a drying agent in sealed systems, such as transformers and cables, to prevent moisture-related damage.