Analyzing Global Hydrogen Production Pathways in National Strategies
Key Ideas
- Different countries have varied approaches to hydrogen production, considering factors like natural resources and energy market conditions.
- Renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro-electricity, are widely favored for electrolytic hydrogen production in many national strategies.
- While some countries prefer renewable hydrogen, others mention low-carbon hydrogen based on fossil fuels like steam-methane reforming with CCUS, and even coal gasification in select cases.
As 61 countries have published national hydrogen strategies, a recent comparative analysis focuses on the diverse production pathways each nation is considering. These strategies are influenced by factors like geographic location, natural resources, and current energy market conditions. The majority of countries aim to develop renewable hydrogen, with wind and solar being the most commonly mentioned sources. Hydro-electricity is also a popular choice, especially for countries with significant hydro potential like Brazil, Canada, and some Latin American nations. Some countries are exploring the use of geothermal energy for hydrogen production. While most countries mention renewable sources for electrolytic hydrogen, around half of the strategies include low-carbon hydrogen based on fossil fuels, mainly steam-methane reforming with CCUS. Some EU countries and gas-rich nations plan to utilize their resources for a hydrogen economy. Additionally, a few countries are exploring the possibility of coal gasification. Nuclear, by-product, natural, and even biomass-based hydrogen production methods are also mentioned in various strategies. Countries are considering the impact of hydrogen production on water resources, with solutions like seawater desalination being explored. Overall, the analysis shows a global trend towards a diversified approach to hydrogen production, combining renewable and low-carbon sources to meet future energy needs.