Hydrogen Energy: Bridge Fuel to Net Zero?

Hydrogen may be a bridge fuel on the road toward a green economy, but it is not yet ready for prime time. The cost of generation, in terms of price and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions for hydrogen derived from nonrenewable sources, renders it impractical in the short run for everyday consumers or many commercial and industrial uses. However, future technological breakthroughs and investments in infrastructure may allow hydrogen to become another tool in the transition toward net zero. According to the IEA, hydrogen’s market share is expected to grow significantly over the next decade, but government policy plays a crucial role in advancing hydrogen as a low-carbon fuel. Sectors that might benefit from advances in hydrogen fuel technology include long-range road transportation and aviation. Considering the ongoing need for additional low- and no-GHG emission transportation by 2050, hydrogen will likely be critical for hard-to-electrify sectors of the economy.