Why hydrogen’s role in the Net Zero puzzle depends on trust
Dr Tom Mason, CEO and Co-Founder of Bramble Energy, discusses how trust is essential to unlock hydrogen’s underestimated potential in the world’s push towards Net Zero.
As the world gears up for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29), many will be reflecting on what it will take to achieve Net Zero – especially those countries looking to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and improve energy security following recent geopolitical events.
Among the primary strategies, we’ll likely see a strong focus on increasing the generation capacity from renewables like solar, wind and tidal power. These sources are already making substantial progress across a number of countries, which is fantastic to see. In the UK, for example – where offshore wind capacity is something it has a lot of – it makes sense to continue scaling offshore wind farms to enhance local energy production and resilience.
But a focus on these renewable energy sources alone is not enough. And this is where hydrogen – particularly green hydrogen – comes into play.
Offering the only long-term, scalable and cost-effective option for deep decarbonisation in sectors such as heavy transport, industrial energy and backup power generation, it can avoid a huge 80 gigatons of CO2 emissions by 2050. That’s 20% of the total emissions reductions needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
Why hydrogen’s trust deficit endures, despite its unique benefits
While green hydrogen relies on renewables like wind and solar for its production, these renewables – being both well-established and well-trusted – often take the limelight, with hydrogen itself still facing a trust deficit.
There are a number of reasons this could be the case, including:
- in the past, hydrogen has been associated with safety issues, with incidents such as the Hindenburg disaster eroding public trust;
- the lack of existing infrastructure for hydrogen production, distribution and use, which have made it challenging for consumers and industries to adopt hydrogen technologies confidently;
- production costs of green hydrogen have historically been high compared to fossil fuels and other renewables, creating scepticism about its viability as a large-scale energy solution;
- unclear regulations and government policies regarding hydrogen adoption, leading to hesitation among businesses and consumers about investing in hydrogen solutions.
Whether it’s one, all of the above, or just generally a low public awareness and understanding of hydrogen technology and its potential benefits, the fact remains – more must be done to build trust if we are to unlock its benefits. Especially given these are benefits that other options struggle to compete with.
When handled and managed correctly, hydrogen is not only a safe and viable clean energy alternative, it can also:
- Decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors: This includes heavy industry (e.g., steel production), heavy-duty transportation (such as trucks, coaches and trains), as well as maritime vessels and aviation.
- Store excess renewable energy: Energy can be conserved and utilised during periods of lower production, aiding in grid stability. It means intermittent renewables can be used consistently and energy can be transported across long distances.
- Improve energy security: By promoting domestic hydrogen production, countries can develop a reliable, homegrown energy source that reduces reliance on energy imports and protects against global price fluctuations.
- Transform energy markets: Because hydrogen can be used directly as fuel or converted into electricity, heat, chemicals, or even fuels for transportation, this versatility allows it to connect multiple sectors that typically operate separately, creating a more adaptable and sustainable energy economy.
- Utilise remote renewable resources: Enables the use of otherwise ‘stranded’ renewable energy in remote locations, effectively tapping into untapped energy sources and supporting the expansion of renewable capacity.
How can we build trust?
Realising a hydrogen-powered future in which the above benefits are fully unlocked depends on a number of things, each leading towards greater public, industry, government and investor confidence in hydrogen’s role in a sustainable future.
First off, I believe trust begins with demand. As such, encouraging diverse sectors – through government incentives, like tax credits, subsidies, or mandates – to integrate hydrogen into their energy strategies is key. Widespread adoption of hydrogen across industries is one of the best ways to demonstrate confidence in it as a reliable, long-term solution, with the aim of creating a demand-driven investment loop that boosts public trust.
Next up, we must reduce the high costs that have long hindered hydrogen’s competitiveness. Thankfully, continued innovation in hydrogen production and storage technologies is already progressing. For example, the development of printed circuit board fuel cells (PCBFC™) have demonstrated practical, cost-saving advancements by leveraging the well-established printed circuit board (PCB) industry for fuel cell production. This approach allows manufacturers to apply the existing, scalable PCB infrastructure to produce fuel cells more efficiently and affordably than traditional methods, which often rely on custom-built processes and materials. Innovations such as these are sending a strong signal that hydrogen can achieve cost-parity with conventional energy sources. And when low-cost clean hydrogen is available, mass market adoption will follow.
While utilising existing PCB manufacturing infrastructure means we can produce fuel cells more affordably and quickly, large-scale investments are still needed to build hydrogen distribution networks, from pipelines to local refuelling stations. As such, we need Governments worldwide to support these infrastructure projects if we are to ensure efficient storage, transport and use of this clean energy source.
Finally, to build public trust in hydrogen requires more communication about its safety, capabilities, benefits and practical applications. It’s time to shine the light on successful hydrogen projects and engage stakeholders at all levels.
Rightful place in the puzzle
While hydrogen is already transforming industries and paving the way for larger-scale adoption, it has the potential to do so much more with the right backing.
Last year, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Chair Hoesung Lee said:
Transformational changes are more likely to succeed where there is trust;
A sentiment that particularly resonates with me. Right now, a lack of trust across the government, the energy sector and the public is undermining the hydrogen transition.
Here’s hoping to see a stronger light shone on hydrogen at this year’s COP29, so that we can start to build trust in its ability to overcome initial economic hurdles, achieve scale and take its rightful place in the Net Zero puzzle.
READ the latest news shaping the hydrogen market at Hydrogen Central
Why hydrogen’s role in the Net Zero puzzle depends on trust
