Navigating the Road to Green Hydrogen: Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Economy
Key Ideas
- Green hydrogen production is essential for decarbonising the global economy, with the potential to replace carbon-intensive grey hydrogen.
- Current policies are insufficient to drive cost-competitive green hydrogen production globally, highlighting the need for targeted government interventions.
- Simulations suggest that combining mandates for green hydrogen usage in fertilisers and a global carbon price on hydrogen production can make green hydrogen cost-competitive.
- Regions like Brazil, with abundant renewable energy sources, have the potential to lead in green hydrogen production with the right policy support, offering opportunities for self-sufficiency and export.
The new report sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in kickstarting 'green hydrogen' production to decarbonise the global economy. Currently, most hydrogen is produced as 'grey hydrogen' from natural gas, contributing to climate change. Green hydrogen, produced by splitting water using renewable energy, offers a carbon-free alternative. The report by Cambridge Econometrics and the University of Exeter explores the role of targeted government policies in fostering a cost-competitive green hydrogen industry globally. While green hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize sectors like fertiliser production and clean steel manufacturing, achieving cost competitiveness requires strong and sustained policy support. The report emphasizes the importance of policies like global mandates for green hydrogen usage and carbon pricing on hydrogen production. It also highlights regional disparities, showcasing countries like Brazil that can become leaders in green hydrogen production with adequate policy support. The University of Exeter's upcoming Climate Forum will further engage stakeholders to address the climate emergency and discuss actionable steps towards a sustainable future.
Topics
Green Hydrogen
Renewable Energy
Government Policies
Decarbonisation
Climate Action
Market Analysis
Energy Innovation
Fertiliser Production
Clean Steel
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