Comparing national policies
A year rich in change, 2020 brought a host of challenges and opportunities to the fore, as well as a new chance for the hydrogen sector to shine. Captivating both politics and the public, the sector experienced unparalleled dynamic. The industry recently received another boost as governments around the world published national hydrogen strategies, aiming to get in on the ground floor. Some also forged global partnerships to help their countries usher in an era of energy independence.
In collaboration with (and on behalf of) the World Energy Council’s German chapter Weltenergierat – Deutschland, Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik examined, compared and analyzed over a dozen hydrogen strategies, roadmaps and funding programs for a national hydrogen market. The study was published in September 2020.
Following up on hydrogen policies recently introduced in Germany and Europe, the study provides an overview of global governmental activities, describing 17 national hydrogen strategies, their overall goals, preferred markets, infrastructure needs, and policy measures to meet said goals. Past successes as well as lessons learned in politics and industry are also given attention.
Global market dynamics
Starting with the 56 strongest economies, the study indicates a minimum of 20 countries comprising over 40 percent of global GDP have implemented or are planning to implement their own hydrogen strategy. Another 30 or so are officially supporting pilot and demonstration hydrogen projects or have initiated national dialogues with industry stakeholders.
A regularly updated Weltenergierat – Deutschland map depicts the hydrogen industry’s path to global recognition. Clusters of increased activity are found in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Americas. Most strategies, including those drafted by Germany and the EU, were introduced in summer 2020. A series of governments announced their intention to support hydrogen sector investments, underlining the technology’s current appeal to policymakers. Prior to the LBST-Weltenergierat study, only four countries, namely Japan, France, South Korea and Australia, had presented national strategies or plans for large-scale hydrogen installation and usage.
Goal: A decarbonized energy system
Although a roadmap’s focus and granularity may differ depending on specific market conditions, all 17 strategies include similar objectives based on the energy carrier’s versatility. Typically, a new energy source needs to fulfil three requirements: environmental compatibility, growth potential and ensured supply.
… Read more in the latest H2-International e-Journal, Feb. 2021
Authors:
Dr. Jan Michalski, Dr. Uwe Albrecht, Jan Zerhusen
All for Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik GmbH (LBST), Ottobrunn, Germany
Dr. Carsten Rolle, Maira Kusch
Both for Weltenergierat – Deutschland e.V., Berlin, Germany
It would be good, to make a screenshot of these promises.
As time is passing by fast.
Because of lack of understanding of this matter
by the “public bodies…” which are mentioned in this text,
they are difficult, if not impossible, to reach.
Let us all follow that matter carefully.