Mapping the Global Landscape for Green Hydrogen Production
Key Ideas
  • Researchers at PSI analyzed global regions for cost-effective hydrogen production to support a shift towards a hydrogen-based economy and combat greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Green hydrogen production can play a key role in sectors like aviation, agriculture, and steel, reducing climate impacts and supporting renewable energy goals.
  • Geographical factors like land availability, renewable energy sources, and water access determine optimal regions for green hydrogen production, with Canada identified as a favorable location.
  • Despite the benefits, a hydrogen economy comes with challenges like residual greenhouse gas emissions and the need for global trade and political cooperation for efficient production and distribution.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have conducted a study to identify regions worldwide that could produce hydrogen most cost-effectively, aiming to support the transition to a hydrogen-based economy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Published in Nature Communications, the research highlights the importance of green hydrogen production in achieving climate neutrality, emphasizing the role of sectors like aviation, agriculture, and steel in mitigating their climate impacts through hydrogen use. The study, led by Tom Terlouw and Christian Bauer, explores scenarios for hydrogen demand by 2050, ranging from 111 to 614 megatonnes per year, based on different climate protection measures. Geographical factors such as land availability, renewable energy sources, and water access were considered to determine optimal regions for hydrogen production. Canada emerged as a top candidate due to its open spaces, wind potential, and stable political environment. However, challenges remain, including residual greenhouse gas emissions and the need for global cooperation for efficient hydrogen production and distribution. Despite the hurdles, the study underscores the potential of green hydrogen as a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, contributing to global efforts towards a greener future.
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