At the recent CERAWeek conference in Houston, Texas, industry experts gathered to discuss the evolving landscape of hydrogen energy. The once lofty expectations of hydrogen as a wonder fuel have given way to a more practical understanding of its limitations and specific applications. This shift has been embraced by industry proponents seeking faster commercialization and profitability in the sector. The sector's journey took a turn when President Joe Biden's administration highlighted hydrogen as a key tool for emissions reduction and job creation, leading to a surge in project proposals. However, delays in regulatory processes and tax credit finalizations caused some to doubt the feasibility of hydrogen projects. Despite these challenges, Chevron's vice-president of hydrogen remains optimistic about the sector's future, citing real projects like the ACES Delta joint venture with Mitsubishi Power. Major players like BP are recalibrating their hydrogen strategies, focusing on decarbonizing refineries and targeting industries with fiscal incentives for emissions reduction. The clean energy landscape is diversifying, with hydrogen now being viewed as one part of a broader range of clean-energy solutions, reflecting a more practical and commercially driven approach. Industry experts are now prioritizing projects with clear paths to profitability and shorter deployment timelines, particularly targeting industries in Europe and Asia with demand for lower-carbon fuels. This shift towards realistic and commercially viable projects is seen as a positive development for the hydrogen sector, signaling a more sustainable and focused approach to energy transition.