The future of industrial hydrogen: renewable sources and applications for the next 15 years
Frank Behrendt
Abstract
Abstract This paper explores the potential industrial applications of hydrogen produced from renewable sources, focusing on anticipated advancements and adoption over the next 15 years. With the global shift toward defossilation, renewable hydrogen presents a compelling solution to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions. The article examines various production methods, cost projections, technological challenges, and key industries that will benefit from renewable hydrogen integration. Renewable hydrogen is anticipated to play a critical role in industrial defossilation over the next 15 years. As industries and governments seek to meet climate targets, hydrogen’s versatility as a fuel and feedstock positions it well for applications across various sectors, including heavy industry, transportation, and power generation. Challenges remain in cost, efficiency, and infrastructure, but ongoing advancements in electrolysis technology and supportive policies are expected to drive down costs. Successful deployment will also depend on international collaboration, regulatory frameworks, and public acceptance. The case studies and pilot projects highlighted in this paper provide evidence of the promising future for renewable hydrogen in industrial applications.