Hydrogen’s role in the energy transition: Unlocking its full potential
Hydrogen has long been considered a promising component in the drive toward a sustainable energy future. However, it is not without its challenges, and the industry's approach to leveraging its potential has revealed some issues.
Hydrogen's potential: Focused innovation
Hydrogen can make a big difference across many sectors, from heavy industry to transport, and there’s plenty of optimism around it. This enthusiasm has already sparked some great innovation and investment, with a variety of technologies being explored. But the real opportunity now is to focus on the areas where hydrogen can have the most significant impact, helping to drive decarbonisation in a meaningful way across industries.
Challenges facing hydrogen projects
Despite growing interest, hydrogen projects still face real challenges. Large-scale deployment isn’t simple. High supply chain costs, inconsistent demand, and a lack of infrastructure for storage and transportation are just a few of the hurdles.
Investment in hydrogen projects requires careful consideration, with the due diligence process making final decisions more difficult. Green hydrogen projects face additional pressures too, with the costs of producing electrolytic hydrogen from renewable electricity still a significant barrier.
Public perception also plays a significant role in hydrogen's progress. While many recognise its potential, several village trials and local projects have faced backlash, hindering their development. Trials intended to demonstrate hydrogen’s viability as a cleaner alternative were cancelled after facing pushback from local communities.
This resistance highlights a crucial challenge: the need for clear, transparent communication with the public about hydrogen's benefits and safety. Concerns about hydrogen infrastructure, safety, and its perceived environmental impact can easily overshadow its potential. Addressing these concerns through education, engagement, and demonstrating real-world benefits will be critical to securing public support and enabling more widespread adoption.
Hydrogen’s role in hard-to-decarbonise sectors
There are sectors that stand to benefit the most from hydrogen’s potential, particularly those that are harder to decarbonise, like shipping, heavy manufacturing, and fertiliser production. These industries are where hydrogen can make the biggest difference, and we need to keep pushing to unlock that potential.
We cover this topic in more detail here: Wales & West Utilities commits to crucial hydrogen research to tackle carbon emissions for hard-to-decarbonise industrial and commercial users.
The path forward: A strategic focus
To unlock hydrogen’s true potential, we need more coordinated, focused investment strategies. We need to make sure government support extends beyond short-term carbon reduction goals, giving hydrogen a chance to thrive in the long term. A forward-thinking approach will help keep the UK competitive and attract investment in hydrogen and related technologies.
By investing in the right applications, alongside the development of skills and infrastructure, hydrogen can play a significant role in achieving net zero targets. For gas engineers, the message is clear: while hydrogen might not replace all technologies, it has a critical role to play where its unique benefits offer clear advantages.
Focusing our efforts where hydrogen can add the most value will help us overcome current challenges. By doing so, we can make real progress towards a fully decarbonised energy system. Now is the time to take hydrogen’s promise and turn it into action.
