1. Hydrogen's Role in Decarbonization

Hydrogen is expected to play a crucial role in achieving a decarbonized global energy system. In IRENA's 1.5C scenario, hydrogen is projected to account for 12% of final energy consumption, of which two-thirds will come from green hydrogen. Hydrogen is also expected to contribute to 10% of emission reductions by 2050, following renewables, energy efficiency, and electrification. However, scaling up hydrogen production remains a challenge, with the need for green electricity of 21,000 TWh by 2050 and the scaling up of electrolyser from < 1 GW as of now to 4,400 GW by 2050.

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2. Early Adoption of Green Hydrogen in Refineries and Fertilizer​

Refineries and fertilizer production facilities are likely to be among the first to adopt green hydrogen as a means of reducing their carbon footprint. This is due to the fact that these industries have a significant carbon footprint, and there is growing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, these industries already use hydrogen in their processes, making it easier for them to switch to green hydrogen.

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3. EU clears hydrogen investment signals by setting binding targets for renewable hydrogen in industry and transport.​

Announced by the European Commission, the EU will see a binding target to accelerate the adoption of renewable hydrogen in industry and transport. Under the provisional agreement on the renewable energy directive (RED), industry must use at least 42% of its hydrogen from renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) by 2030. Countries achieving a fossil-free hydrogen mix of at least 77% can see that target reduced by 20%. Fuel suppliers in transport must reduce GHG emissions by 14.5% or achieve at least 29% renewables share. A minimum of 5.5% of the fuel mix must be composed of advanced biofuels and RFNBOs. Overall, the targets aim to provide clear investment signals for renewable hydrogen and encourage a shift towards sustainable practices.

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4. Round 1 Electrolytic Hydrogen Allocation Shortlist Sparks Interest in UK's Hydrogen FIDs

The UK's push towards hydrogen production is gaining momentum as the country aims to meet its ambitious targets of 10GW hydrogen production by 2030. The recent announcement by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero of 480MW of green hydrogen projects and four blue hydrogen projects shortlisted for further funding has sparked interest in larger scale project FIDs and investment. The two key policy implementation steps targeted for 2023, namely the allocation of 1st round NZHF funding to successful projects and the finalisation and award of 15-year LCHA contracts (hydrogen CfDs), are expected to provide the necessary support to bridge the gap between the cost of production and the price offtakers are willing to pay.

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5. US Clean Hydrogen Opportunity: 25GW of Electrolysis Planned and $85B-215B Capital Cap across Midstream and End-use

The highlighted message in the US DoE presentation is the recent launch of Hydrogen Commercial liftoff, a new initiative aimed at strengthening collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate the commercialization and deployment of clean energy technologies. The initiative emphasizes the crucial role of electrolysis manufacturing and the needed capacity of 25GW in achieving the US decarbonization goal. The DOE's presentation also reveals that hydrogen production investments are currently on track to meet the 2030 requirements, but a significant capital gap of $85B-215B exists for midstream (distribution and storage) and end-use infrastructure.

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6. Latin America and the Caribbean Builds Strong Regional Momentum Green Hydrogen Production and Export

Brazil, Chile, and Panama are leading the way in Latin America and the Caribbean's political commitment to hydrogen production and export in 2023, particularly demonstrated by upgraded regulatory measures, research and development efforts, and the pursuit of a greater green electricity base. In terms of statistical proof, Brazil has announced plans to produce hydrogen from renewable sources and has launched a pilot project to produce green hydrogen using wind power, Chile is targeting 5 GW of renewable energy capacity dedicated to electrolysis by 2025, and Panama is partnering with other countries to develop a green hydrogen hub for bunkering and aviation fuel.

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7. Creating Confidence and Security for an International Hydrogen Trading Market with 4 Key Components

In the industry leadership dialogue featured by the IPHE, World Bank, GH2, EPE, and Thyssenkrupp, 4 key criteria are highlighted to establish a secure and confident international hydrogen trading market, namely 1) increasing international investment and finance support; 2) aligning development and regulations and standards; 3) infrastructure must be ready to ramp up the hydrogen economy, including production facilities, pipelines, and transportation systems. 4. available technologies must be utilized to optimize the efficiency and sustainability of the entire supply chain.

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8. Empowering Developing Nations and Communities for a Sustainable Energy Future with Hydrogen.

Demonstrated by the US DOE’s community support program and the World Bank ESMAP, there is a growing social awareness and international support for engaging developing nations and communities in the global hydrogen economy. This effort is focused on developing regulatory standards, investment, and job creation in these communities to ensure the safe and effective deployment of hydrogen technologies, with a shared goal is to create an inclusive and equitable energy transition.