Perspective on the hydrogen economy as a pathway to reach net-zero CO2 emissions in Europe
File(s)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The envisioned role of hydrogen in the energy transition – or the concept of a hydrogen economy – has varied through the years. In the past hydrogen was mainly considered a clean fuel for cars and/or electricity production; but the current renewed interest stems from the versatility of hydrogen in aiding the transition to CO2 neutrality, where the capability to tackle emissions from distributed applications and complex industrial processes is of paramount importance. However, the hydrogen economy will not materialise without strong political support and robust infrastructure design. Hydrogen deployment needs to address multiple barriers at once, including technology development for hydrogen production and conversion, infrastructure co-creation, policy, market design and business model development. In light of these challenges, we have brought together a group of hydrogen researchers who study the multiple interconnected disciplines to offer a perspective on what is needed to deploy the hydrogen economy as part of the drive towards net-zero-CO2 societies. We do this by analysing (i) hydrogen end-use technologies and applications, (ii) hydrogen production methods, (iii) hydrogen transport and storage networks, (iv) legal and regulatory aspects, and (v) business models. For each of these, we provide key take home messages ranging from the current status to the outlook and needs for further research. Overall, we provide the reader with a thorough understanding of the elements in the hydrogen economy, state of play and gaps to be filled.
Date Issued
2022-02-02
Date Acceptance
2022-01-31
Citation
Energy and Environmental Science, 2022, 15 (3), pp.1034-1077
ISSN
1754-5692
Publisher
Royal Society of Chemistry
Start Page
1034
End Page
1077
Journal / Book Title
Energy and Environmental Science
Volume
15
Issue
3
Copyright Statement
©2022 The Author(s). Open Access Article. Published on 02 February 2022. This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence.
License URL
Sponsor
BEIS - Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
UK Research and Innovation
Identifier
http://gateway.webofknowledge.com/gateway/Gateway.cgi?GWVersion=2&SrcApp=PARTNER_APP&SrcAuth=LinksAMR&KeyUT=WOS:000755934500001&DestLinkType=FullRecord&DestApp=ALL_WOS&UsrCustomerID=1ba7043ffcc86c417c072aa74d649202
Grant Number
415000025679
EP/V027050/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Life Sciences & Biomedicine
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Energy & Fuels
Engineering, Chemical
Environmental Sciences
Chemistry
Engineering
Environmental Sciences & Ecology
POWER-TO-GAS
CA-CU PROCESS
NATURAL-GAS
RENEWABLE HYDROGEN
ENERGY-STORAGE
CARBON CAPTURE
OPTIMAL-DESIGN
TECHNOECONOMIC ANALYSIS
MULTIENERGY SYSTEMS
WATER ELECTROLYSIS
Publication Status
Published