Growing Momentum for Low-Emissions Hydrogen Projects Amidst Challenges
Key Ideas
  • The IEA's annual Global Hydrogen Review 2024 highlights a significant increase in low-emissions hydrogen projects, with the number of projects reaching final investment decision doubling in the past year.
  • Global electrolyser manufacturing capacity doubled in 2023, with China leading the way, and if all announced projects are realized, total production could reach almost 50 million tonnes a year by 2030.
  • Despite the positive momentum, challenges such as regulatory uncertainties, cost pressures, and lack of incentives persist, with a need for clearer government support, demand creation, and cost reductions to drive further investment.
  • The report emphasizes the importance of closing the gap between government goals for production and demand, optimizing technology development, and shifting towards mass manufacturing for cost-effective low-emissions hydrogen production.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its annual Global Hydrogen Review 2024, indicating a significant growth in low-emissions hydrogen projects globally. The report showcases a doubling in the number of projects reaching final investment decision over the past year, with a forecast that global production of low-emissions hydrogen could increase fivefold by 2030 if all announced projects are realized, potentially reaching almost 50 million tonnes annually. The surge in projects is encouraging, yet challenges like regulatory uncertainties, cost pressures, and lack of incentives continue to hinder progress. Government support is deemed crucial to bridge the gap between production and demand, with a call for policies that boost demand creation and reduce costs to attract further investments. The report emphasizes the importance of developing clear regulations, stimulating demand in industrial sectors like steel, refining, and chemicals, and advancing technology to lower production costs. While the Middle East and China lead in hydrogen production, the report notes that renewable hydrogen remains more costly compared to unabated fossil-based production, which continues to dominate the market. Despite hurdles, there is optimism surrounding the potential of low-emissions hydrogen to play a pivotal role in decarbonizing various industries. Moving forward, a concerted effort is needed to address challenges, enhance government support, and accelerate the transition towards cost-effective and sustainable hydrogen production.
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