Opportunity of the future: hydrogen as fuel and feedstock

Abstract

Low-emission hydrogen is emerging as an integral building block for the decarbonisation of the global economy, serving as a complementary emission reduction solution to direct electrification and the use of other low emission technologies such as bioenergy. Presently, hydrogen is a key global commodity used within the production of chemicals including ammonia and for refining activities. These existing uses offer an initial demand market for low-emission hydrogen as a replacement for the high-emitting alternative. Furthermore, new applications for low-emission hydrogen are emerging within hard-to-abate industries where other decarbonisation solutions are less technically or commercially viable or have constrained feedstocks. These applications include as an input for steel production and as a fuel for the transport industry, particularly for heavy-duty long-haul road transport as well as the use of hydrogen-derivatives within the maritime and aviation industries. However, for a low-emission hydrogen industry to develop, the disconnect between consumer and producer expectations, high production and end-use technology costs and regulatory challenges must be overcome. Important mechanisms to achieve this include the implementation of targets and mandates for low-emission hydrogen production and uptake, facilitation of product premiums by industry, targeted public funding and financing and revenue support mechanisms.