A recent study by researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, led by Tom Terlouw and Christian Bauer, investigates the potential for cost-effective hydrogen production to drive a shift towards a sustainable economy. The study, published in Nature Communications, highlights the need for a global transition to a hydrogen-based economy to combat greenhouse gas emissions effectively. Switzerland's goal to become climate-neutral by 2050 sets the stage for this transition, emphasizing the importance of renewable energy sources like hydroelectric, wind, and solar power. Hydrogen emerges as a crucial component for sectors with high energy demands such as aviation, agriculture, and steel production. The researchers analyze different scenarios for hydrogen demand in 2050, ranging from business as usual to rigorous climate protection measures. They identify regions like Canada, the central US, Australia, the Sahara, northern China, and northwestern Europe as ideal for future hydrogen production due to factors like open spaces, wind, and solar resources. However, densely populated regions face challenges in cost-effective hydrogen production. While green hydrogen offers significant environmental benefits, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, the study also highlights the ecological downsides of a hydrogen economy. Despite efforts to minimize emissions, residual greenhouse gas emissions are inevitable due to production and distribution processes. The study underscores the need for global cooperation and energy-efficient practices to bridge the gap between high-demand regions and efficient production areas. Overall, the research provides insights into the potential of hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier while addressing the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a hydrogen-based economy.