The Power of Clean Hydrogen

"We believe that there is no path to net zero that does not include hydrogen."

As the most abundant element in the universe and a potential source of energy, hydrogen has long been considered to have a key part to play in making the transition to a low carbon economy. But how and where does it fit in?

As Ivana Jemelkova explains, we can use hydrogen as one of the foundations of the energy transition. While electrification promises to help decarbonise many sectors of our economy, heavy industries like steel, aviation and shipping require intensive energy that renewables cannot adequately supply, leaving us reliant on fossil fuels. This is where hydrogen comes in.

Ivana is CEO of the Hydrogen Council – a global coalition that brings together nearly 140 businesses from 20 different countries around the world, and a key member of the Sustainable Markets Initiative’s Hydrogen Task Force. Their vision is to unleash the power of hydrogen as a clean energy solution.

Hydrogen generates zero emissions at the point of use, but as Ivana reminds us, that's not the only metric that matters. Today most hydrogen is created using fossil fuels. To land on a definition of clean hydrogen we must take stock of the full life cycle, ensuring that emissions are minimal or non-existent. A global measurement standard will be essential to establishing clarity and unlocking opportunity for trade.

Investment is also key. With $75 billion in capital already committed, there's no doubt that hydrogen is happening, but significantly more resources are needed to deploy this solution at scale. Businesses, governments and civil society must all work together to continue building momentum.

There is still much progress to be made to get the energy transition on track. Can clean hydrogen be harnessed quickly enough? Ivana is hopeful, not despite the data, but because of it.

"I'm a very pragmatic person. When I hear the word 'hope', I look for evidence. And I know that I see evidence in the clean energy space."

To learn more about Hydrogen Council, visit their website.