Unlocking the Potential of Green Hydrogen: A Global Perspective on Policy and Economics
Key Ideas
- The report by Cambridge Econometrics and the University of Exeter examines the feasibility of government policies to drive a competitive green hydrogen industry globally.
- Current policies are deemed insufficient, but a combination of mandates on green hydrogen use and carbon pricing could make green hydrogen cost-competitive with grey hydrogen.
- The research emphasizes the importance of policy support to achieve cost-competitive green hydrogen, particularly in sectors like fertiliser production and steel making.
- Regional differences exist, with countries like Brazil having the potential to be self-sufficient in low-carbon hydrogen products through policy-backed initiatives leveraging their renewable energy resources.
The report by Cambridge Econometrics and the University of Exeter delves into the potential of green hydrogen as a cost-competitive alternative to grey hydrogen in industries globally. Currently, most hydrogen production generates carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. The study suggests that targeted policies like global mandates on green hydrogen usage and carbon pricing could drive the competitiveness of green hydrogen. Dr. Femke Nijsse highlights that while green hydrogen may not entirely live up to the hype, it stands as a crucial option for decarbonizing fertilizer production and clean steel making. The research underscores the necessity of sustained policy support to reach a 'tipping point' for cost-competitive green hydrogen.
Furthermore, the report underscores the regional disparities, as seen in Brazil's potential to leverage its wind power for cost-competitive green hydrogen production. By implementing appropriate policies, Brazil could reduce import dependency and even become a regional exporter of low-carbon hydrogen products. The study emphasizes that even regions with abundant renewables face challenges like demand-supply imbalances without proper policy frameworks. Funded by the UK Government, the research aims to foster green hydrogen adoption for emissions reduction and transition towards renewable energy sources.
Topics
Policy
Production
Renewable Energy
Climate Change
Energy Transition
Economics
Steel Production
Emissions Reduction
Fertilisers
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