Green Hydrogen: Future's Clean Fuel?
Examines green hydrogen's promise as a clean energy source, its production challenges, and its potential to decarbonize industries worldwide. Global efforts are underway.
Topics: technology, environment, science
Example
Under its REPowerEU plan of 2022, the EU aims to produce 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year by 2030 and import another 10 million, mainly to cut emissions from heavy industry such as steel and fertiliser. In July 2024, the European Court of Auditors said the targets were not realistic and were 'driven by political will' rather than analysis: EU production of renewable hydrogen was tiny, and projects nearing a final decision would add less than 5 gigawatts of capacity by 2030.
Key facts
- Under REPowerEU the EU aims to produce 10 million tonnes and import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen a year by 2030.
Limitations
- The auditors judged progress up to 2024; hydrogen costs and projects change fast, so the gap between target and delivery should be rechecked.
Evaluations
technology evaluation
Support
Hydrogen made with renewable power can replace coal and gas in steelmaking and fertiliser, sectors that batteries cannot easily electrify.
Counterargument
Making hydrogen by electrolysis loses much of the energy used, and it remains several times more expensive than fossil hydrogen.
Rebuttal
That is why most experts argue hydrogen should be reserved for hard-to-electrify uses, not cars or home heating.
Additional support
Projects that would add under 5 gigawatts by 2030 show the technology is real but scaling slowly.
environment evaluation
Support
Replacing fossil hydrogen in industry could cut large emissions that renewables alone cannot reach.
Counterargument
Producing hydrogen needs large amounts of renewable electricity and water, which could compete with other green uses.
Rebuttal
Careful siting near abundant solar and wind, and importing from sunnier regions, are meant to address this, though imports bring their own costs.
Additional support
If hydrogen leaks, it can indirectly add to warming, so climate benefits depend on tight handling.
science evaluation
Support
Research on cheaper electrolysers and catalysts is central to making green hydrogen competitive.
Counterargument
The auditors found targets were set without robust analysis, a warning that ambition ran ahead of the evidence.
Rebuttal
Setting goals before technology is mature can drive investment, but it should be paired with honest checks such as the auditors' report.
Additional support
Independent audits like the European Court of Auditors' show how evidence can test political promises.
Sources
- European Court of Auditors (2024-07-17): Special report 11/2024: The EU's industrial policy on renewable hydrogen
- Reuters (via Engineering News) (2024-07-17): EU's green hydrogen goals not realistic, auditors say