The year 2021 witnessed a surge in global hydrogen demand to 94 million tonnes, exceeding pre-pandemic levels and constituting 2.5% of the final energy consumption worldwide. The report titled Hydrogen-Insights-2023 sheds light on more than 1,000 large-scale proposals for hydrogen projects globally, indicating substantial interest and dedication on a global scale.
Nevertheless, obstacles such as the dominance of projects in their early stages, strains in the supply chain, and shortages in labor continue to persist. To achieve the targets of net-zero emissions by 2050, a significant upscaling of clean hydrogen production is imperative, necessitating substantial investments and reductions in costs.
The document reveals that while the current demand for hydrogen is primarily concentrated in conventional sectors, emerging applications such as transportation and electricity generation offer significant potential for reducing emissions.
By the year 2050, clean hydrogen could potentially mitigate about seven gigatons of CO2 emissions annually, representing roughly 20% of emissions caused by human activities. Nonetheless, to realize this potential, international cooperation and investments in hydrogen infrastructure and advancements are indispensable. However, the question arises: how can policymakers stimulate demand and bolster the commercial feasibility of emerging hydrogen technologies in sectors like transportation and electricity generation to spur demand and hasten the shift towards a sustainable energy paradigm?