Integration of Government Policies on the Global Level for Green Hydrogen Production
Shahrukh Nawaj Alam, Zaira Khalid, Bhaskar Singh, Abhishek Guldhe
Abstract
The majority of the hydrogen produced today is derived from fossil fuels, with natural gas accounting for almost half of the total hydrogen production worldwide in 2018. While coal remained a significant contributor to global hydrogen production in 2018, accounting for 18% primarily due to its prevalent use in China, cleaner sources like electricity and oil each contributed only 0.48%. The remaining fraction came from by-products of industrial processes. Recognizing its transformative potential as a clean energy carrier and key enabler of net-zero goals, the global community is embracing hydrogen with unprecedented enthusiasm. Projections point towards a significant expansion, with demand expected to surge tenfold or more in the foreseeable future. Hydrogen’s trajectory has shown moderate growth with a 28% increase in global demand since 2010. However, studies predict a transformative leap fueled by strategic incentives and investments. By 2050, under optimal conditions, hydrogen is poised to account for 18% to 24% of global energy consumption, with individual countries potentially exceeding this range. The global landscape of climate action is witnessing a paradigm shift towards hydrogen and embracing this transformative potential, countries and regions worldwide are diligently formulating their own hydrogen development strategies. These country-specific roadmaps meticulously chart optimal supply pathways and end-use applications, aiming to fuel their transition to clean economies and carve out lucrative niches in the international hydrogen market. With net-zero ambitions taking center stage, these nations are actively crafting policies that directly incentivize investments in hydrogen technologies, recognizing its pivotal role in a clean energy future. Through this comprehensive examination of global policies on green hydrogen aims to inform policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders, contributing to the ongoing discourse on sustainable energy transition and fostering a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of green hydrogen policy development. This chapter discusses the status of governmental policies and their integration at the global level to achieve an effective framework for green hydrogen production.