Unlocking Economic Potential: Shaping Sustainable Global Hydrogen Value Chains
Key Ideas
  • Renewable-based hydrogen production offers economic opportunities in areas with high renewables and low finance costs.
  • International trade can bridge supply-demand gaps, creating new global value chains for renewable hydrogen.
  • IRENA report emphasizes the importance of environmental, socio-economic, and governance factors in sustainable hydrogen production and trade.
  • Balanced consideration of opportunities and risks is crucial for long-term success of renewable hydrogen value chains.
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) highlights the economic potential of renewable-based hydrogen production in its recent report on shaping sustainable international hydrogen value chains. The report underlines the benefits in regions with abundant renewable resources, water availability, and favorable finance conditions. While these factors are conducive for hydrogen production, proximity to demand centers may not always be optimal. International trade is identified as a solution to reconcile supply and demand imbalances, enabling the establishment of new value chains on a global scale. IRENA's report delves into essential considerations for developing sustainable renewable hydrogen value chains. It addresses environmental impacts, necessary infrastructure, socio-economic implications, and governance frameworks, especially in developing nations. The significance of these factors is emphasized in the context of meeting future hydrogen demand through efficient production and transportation mechanisms. The discussion in the report acknowledges the array of opportunities and risks inherent in renewable hydrogen production and trade. It stresses the critical need for a comprehensive evaluation that encompasses all aspects to ensure the longevity and prosperity of these value chains. A balanced strategy that weighs opportunities against risks is deemed fundamental for the sustainable growth and success of renewable hydrogen initiatives worldwide.
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