Keywords: Hydrogen Energy, Clean Energy, Decarbonization, Renewable Energy, Paris Agreement, Green Hydrogen
Introduction
The force of hydrogen in accelerating energy transition is unprecedented. Clean hydrogen, produced using renewable energy or low-emission processes, is hailed as a potential game-changer. But how do we harness this power, particularly in developing countries?
The Potential of Hydrogen Energy
Clean hydrogen makes it possible for the clean production of industrial bulk commodities and could be used for decarbonizing modes of transportation such as shipping and aviation. Hydrogen could also replace fossil fuels like coal or natural gas and be used to produce ammonia, a primary component of synthetic fertilizers.
The Challenges of Harnessing Hydrogen
Yet, harnessing these benefits comes with its own challenges. Three major hurdles need to be overcome through coordinated action:
- Decarbonizing Hydrogen Production: Currently, about 98% of hydrogen production uses natural gas and coal, with carbon emissions equivalent to that of Japan and accounting for about 3% of the global CO2 emissions. For achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement, it is crucial that hydrogen production undergoes decarbonization. The most promising choice for this is hydrogen production through renewable energy, supported by low-carbon hydrogen.
- Scaling Up Demand and Supply: Furthermore, the total demand for hydrogen needs to increase fivefold from now until 2050. To embark on this path, the installed capacity for green hydrogen needs to surge by 75 times from now until 2030.
Conclusion: Unleashing the Power of Hydrogen
In conclusion, the potential of hydrogen energy in pushing forward the clean energy transition is immense. However, harnessing this power requires concerted efforts to decarbonize hydrogen production and significantly scale up both demand and supply.
Navigating these challenges is not a task for one country or sector alone but demands global collaboration, particularly to ensure that the benefits reach developing countries.
Feel free to ask questions or share your thoughts on the potential of hydrogen energy. Together, we can explore how to unleash the power of hydrogen to drive the clean energy transition and combat climate change.
