Policy & Socio-Economics

Hydrogen production has recently attracted much attention as an energy carrier and sector integrator (i.e. electricity and transport) in future decarbonized smart energy systems. At the same time power production is highly valued in energy systems as other sectors like transport and heating become electrified. This work compares two different low-emission systems to produce electricity hydrogen and heat. The proposed systems are based on chemical looping combustion combined with biomass gasification (CLC-BG) and steam methane reforming (CLC-SMR) both benefiting from heat integration between chemical looping combustion and downstream processes. A full process simulation is carried out in Aspen Plus for both systems and detailed modeling is performed for chemical looping combustion. The overall thermal efficiency is calculated to be 71.1 % for CLC-BG and 76.4 % for CLC-SMR. Co-feeding methane into the biomass gasification process of CLC-BG leads to an enhanced overall efficiency. In comparison to CLC-BG CLC-SMR exhibits greater potential in terms of power and hydrogen generation resulting in a higher exergy efficiency of 58.3 % as opposed to 44.6 %. Assuming market prices of 5.2 USD/GJ for biomass and 9.1 USD/GJ for natural gas the lowest minimum hydrogen sale price is estimated to be 4 USD/kg for CLC-SMR.

With decreasing costs of the clean technologies the balanced scales of the Sustainable Development Goal 7 targets e.g. energy equity (EE) energy security (ES) and environmental sustainability (EVS) are quickly changing. This fundamental balancing process is a key requirement for a net-zero future. Accordingly this research analyzes the regime-switching effect of Hydrogen economy as the green transition sharing economy and economic complexity as the complexity-based and geopolitical risks and energy prices as the geostrategy policies on the Goal 7 targets. To this end a Markov-switching panel vector autoregressive method with regime-heteroskedasticity is applied to study advancing the Goal 7 in the world's twenty-five large energy consumers during 2004–2020. Concerning the parameters and statistics of the model the results refer to the existence of two regimes associated with the Goal 7 corners called “upward and downward” regimes for EE and “slightly upward and sharply upward” regimes for ES and EVS. It is revealed that the vulnerability of EE and ES targets is considerably reduced when the regime switches to the dominant regime that is “downward” and “slightly upward” regimes respectively and that of the EVS target remains unaffected. Through the impulse-response analysis the findings denote that the first hypothesis of the efficiency of the Hydrogen economy in promoting the Goal 7 targets is insignificant. However the significant short-term and dynamic shock effects of the complexity-based and geostrategy policies on the Hydrogen economy are detected which will be a feasible alternative assessment in advancing the Goal 7. Further the complexity-based policies support the Goal 7 targets under different regimes especially in the short- and medium-term. Hence the second hypothesis regarding the effectiveness of the complexity-based policies in promoting Goal 7 targets is confirmed. The third hypothesis concerning the complexity of the impact of geostrategy policies on the Goal 7 targets is verified. Particularly the switching process towards the Goal 7 may not necessarily be restricted by the geopolitical risks. Moreover EE is supported through energy prices in the short-term under both regimes while they are non-conductive to promote ES and EVS through time. Accordingly the decision-makers should acknowledge adopting a regime-switching path forward for ensuring the time-varying balanced growth of the Goal 7 targets as the impact of the suggested policy instruments is asymmetric.

The energy production market based on hydrogen technologies is an innovative solution that will allow the industry to achieve climate neutrality in the future in Poland and in the world. The paper presents the idea of using hydrogen as a modern energy carrier and devices that in cooperation with renewable energy sources produce the so-called green hydrogen and the applicable legal acts that allow for the implementation of the new technology were analyzed. Energy transformation is inevitable and according to reports on good practices in European Union countries hydrogen and the hydrogen value chain (production transport and transmission storage use in transport and energy) have wide potential. Thanks to joint projects and subsidies from the EU initiatives supporting hydrogen technologies are created such as hydrogen clusters and hydrogen valleys and EU and national strategic programs set the main goals. Poland is one of the leaders in hydrogen production both in the world and in Europe. Domestic tycoons from the energy refining and chemical industries are involved in the projects. Eight hydrogen valleys that have recently been created in Poland successfully implement the assumptions of the “Polish Hydrogen Strategy until 2030 with a perspective until 2040” and “Energy Policy of Poland until 2040” which are in line with the assumptions of the most important legal acts of the EU including the European Union’s energy and climate policy the Green Deal and the Fit for 55 Package. The review of the analysis of the development of hydrogen technologies in Poland shows that Poland does not differ from other European countries. As part of the assumptions of the European Hydrogen Strategy and the trend related to the management of energy surpluses electrolyzers with a capacity of at least 6 GW will be installed in Poland in 2020–2024. It is also assumed that in the next phase planned for 2025–2030 hydrogen will be a carrier in the energy system in Poland. Poland as a member of the EU is the creator of documents that take into account the assumptions of the European Union Commission and systematically implement the assumed goals. The strategy of activities supporting the development of hydrogen technologies in Poland and the value chain includes very extensive activities related to among others obtaining hydrogen using hydrogen in transport energy and industry developing human resources for the new economy supporting the activities of hydrogen valley stakeholders building hydrogen refueling stations and cooperation among Poland Slovakia and the Czech Republic as part of the HydrogenEagle project.

Innovation in key low-carbon technologies plays a supporting role in achieving a high-quality low-carbon transition in the power sector. This paper aims to integrate research on the power transition pathway under the “dual carbon” goals with key technological innovation layouts. First it deeply analyzes the development trends of three key low-carbon technologies in the power sector—new energy storage CCUS and hydrogen energy—and establishes a quantitative model for their technological support in the low-carbon transition of the power sector. On this basis the objective function and constraints of traditional power planning models are improved to create an integrated optimization model for the power transition pathway and key low-carbon technologies. Finally a simulation analysis is conducted using China’s power industry “dual carbon” pathway as a case study. The optimization results include the power generation capacity structure power generation mix carbon reduction pathway and key low-carbon technology development path for China from 2020 to 2060. Additionally the impact of uncertainties in breakthroughs in new energy storage CCUS and hydrogen technologies on the power “dual carbon” pathway is analyzed providing technological and decision-making support for the low-carbon transition of the power sector.

The overuse of fossil fuels has caused a serious energy crisis and environmental pollution. Due to these challenges the search for alternative energy sources that can replace fossil fuels is necessary. Hydrogen is a widely acknowledged future energy carrier because of its nonpolluting properties and high energy density. To realize a hydrogen economy in the future it is essential to construct a comprehensive hydrogen supply chain that can make hydrogen a key energy carrier. This paper reviews the various technologies involved in the hydrogen supply chain encompassing hydrogen production storage transportation and utilization technologies. Then the challenges of constructing a hydrogen supply chain are discussed from techno-economic social and policy perspectives and prospects for the future development of a hydrogen supply chain are presented in light of these challenges.

The circular economy and the clean-energy transition are inextricably linked and interdependent. One of the most important areas of the energy transition is the development of hydrogen energy. This study aims to review and systematize the data available in the literature on the environmental and economic parameters of hydrogen storage and transportation technologies (both mature and at high technological readiness levels). The study concluded that salt caverns and pipeline transportation are the most promising methods of hydrogen storage and transportation today in terms of a combination of all parameters. These methods are the most competitive in terms of price especially when transporting hydrogen over short distances. Thus the average price of storage will be 0.35 USD/kg and transportation at a distance of up to 100 km is 0.3 USD/kg. Hydrogen storage underground in a gaseous state and its transportation by pipelines have the least consequences for the environment: emissions and leaks are insignificant and there is no environmental pollution. The study identifies these methods as particularly viable given their lower environmental impact and potential for seamless integration into existing energy systems therefore supporting the transition to a more sustainable and circular economy.

Building a hydrogen economy is perceived as a way to achieve the decarbonization goals set out in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming as well as to meet the goals resulting from the European Green Deal for the decarbonization of Europe. This article presents a literature review of various aspects of this economy. The full added value chain of hydrogen was analyzed from its production through to storage transport distribution and use in various economic sectors. The current state of knowledge about hydrogen is presented with particular emphasis on its features that may determine the positives and negatives of its development. It was noted that although hydrogen has been known for many years its production methods are mainly related to fossil fuels which result in greenhouse gas emissions. The area of interest of modern science is limited to green hydrogen produced as a result of electrolysis from electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The development of a clean hydrogen economy is limited by many factors the most important of which are the excessive costs of producing clean hydrogen. Research and development on all elements of the hydrogen production and use chain is necessary to contribute to increasing the scale of production and use of this raw material and thus reducing costs as a result of the efficiencies of scale and experience gained. The development of the hydrogen economy will be related to the development of the hydrogen trade and the centers of this trade will differ significantly from the current centers of energy carrier trade.

The study investigates the potential of transitioning Iraq a nation significantly dependent on fossil fuels toward a green hydrogen-based energy system as a pathway to achieving sustainable economic resilience. As of 2022 Iraqi energy supply is over 90% reliant on hydrocarbons which also account for 95% of the country foreign exchange earnings. The global energy landscape is rapidly shifting towards cleaner alternatives and the volatility of oil prices has made it imperative for the country to diversify its energy sources. Green hydrogen produced through water electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind offers a promising alternative given country vast renewable energy potential. The analysis indicates that with strategic investments in green hydrogen infrastructure the country could reduce its hydrocarbon dependency by 30% by the year 2030. This transition could not only address pressing environmental challenges but also contribute to the economic stability of the country. However the shift to green hydrogen is not without significant challenges including water scarcity technological limitations and the necessity for a robust regulatory framework. The findings underscore the importance of international partnerships and supportive policies in facilitating this energy transition. Adopting renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies the country has the potential to become a leader in sustainable energy within the region. This shift would not only drive economic growth and energy security but also contribute to global efforts towards environmental sustainability positioning country favorably in a future low-carbon economy.

Green hydrogen is emerging as a key driver in global decarbonization efforts particularly in hard-to-abate sectors such as steel manufacturing ammonia production and long-distance transportation. This study evaluates the techno-economic and environmental aspects of green hydrogen production storage and integration with renewable energy systems. Electrolysis remains the dominant production method with efficiency rates ranging from 70–80% for Alkaline Electrolyzers (AEL) 75–85% for Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzers (PEMEL) and up to 90% for Solid Oxide Electrolyzers (SOEL). Capital costs are steadily decreasing with AEL costs falling from $1200/kW in 2018 to $800/kW in 2024 while PEMEL costs are projected to decline to $600/kW by 2030. Green hydrogen significantly reduces carbon emissions with a footprint of 0.5–1 kg CO₂ per kg of H₂ compared to 10–12 kg for gray hydrogen and 1–3 kg for blue hydrogen. Its potential to cut global CO₂ emissions by 6 gigatons annually by 2050 underscores its role in climate action. However its high water demand—approximately 9 liters per kilogram of hydrogen—necessitates efficient management strategies such as desalination and recycling. Economically green hydrogen is becoming more competitive with its levelized cost decreasing from $6/kg in 2018 to $3–4/kg in 2024 and projections indicating a further drop to $1.50/kg by 2030. Global investments exceeding $500 billion in 2024 along with major projects like Saudi Arabia's NEOM Green Hydrogen Project and Australia's Asian Renewable Energy Hub are accelerating adoption. Policy frameworks such as the EU Hydrogen Strategy and the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act further support deployment. Despite progress challenges remain in infrastructure storage and regulatory frameworks necessitating continued innovation and international collaboration. Green hydrogen aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) SDG 9 (Industry Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy green hydrogen presents a transformative opportunity contingent on sustained technological advancements investment and policy support.

Decarbonising the global housing stock is imperative for reaching climate change targets. In the United Kingdom hydrogen is currently being tested as a replacement fuel for natural gas which could be used to supply low-carbon energy to parts of the country. Transitioning the residential sector towards a net-zero future will call for an inclusive understanding of consumer preferences for emerging technologies. In response this paper explores consumer attitudes towards domestic cooking and heating technologies and energy appliances of the future which could include a role for hydrogen hobs and boilers in UK homes. To access qualitative evidence on this topic we conducted ten online focus groups (N = 58) with members of the UK public between February and April 2022. The study finds that existing gas users wish to preserve the best features of gas cooking such as speed responsiveness and controllability but also desire the potential safety and aesthetic benefits of electric systems principally induction hobs. Meanwhile future heating systems should ensure thermal comfort ease of use energy efficiency and smart performance while providing space savings and noise reduction alongside demonstrable green benefits. Mixed-methods multigroup analysis suggests divergence between support levels for hydrogen homes which implies a degree of consumer heterogeneity. Foremost we find that domestic hydrogen acceptance is positively associated with interest and engagement with renewable energy and fuel poverty pressures. We conclude that internalising the perspectives of consumers is critical to enabling constructive socio-technical imaginaries for low-carbon domestic energy futures.