Many are talking about hydrogen as the magic word of the energy transition. But here we need to take a closer look: How is it being produced, what are the social and ecological consequences of the different modes of production? In which sectors is it needed and what should it (not) be applied for? How can international trade in green hydrogen be made fair and sustainable? The international trade in green hydrogen needs a strategic approach so that social and environmental injustices do not persist and undermine an international sustainable energy future. This video is also available in Arabic, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. Read more about green hydrogen.
All posts tagged: hydrogen
What is green hydrogen?
Many are talking about hydrogen as the magic word of the energy transition. But here we need to take a closer look: How is it being produced, what are the social and ecological consequences of the different modes of production? In which sectors is it needed and what should it (not) be applied for? How can international trade in green hydrogen be made fair and sustainable? Hydrogen comes in numerous colours. An explainer video by the Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung shows why only green hydrogen can be sustainable, how and, above all, what we should use it for. The video is also available in Arabic, French, German, Portuguese and Spanish. Read more about green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen advocates in denial about looming material problem
Renewable energy, electric vehicles and green hydrogen all offer ways to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Recent years have seen rising interest in how these technologies impact the demand and mining of critical materials. Lithium mining for electric batteries, in particular, has been scrutinised by environmental groups. Yet less discussed is green hydrogen which requires scarce materials, writes Rebecca Bertram.
Green hydrogen – solution or pipe dream? Part I
There is a fairly broad consensus in the climate movement that hydrogen has to play an important role within the international energy transition (especially for the decarbonisation of energy-/feedstock-intensive industry sectors). And while there’s an understanding that only hydrogen produced 100% from renewables will match the requirements of being “clean” and therefore “climate-friendly”, few speak of possible shadow sides of this green dream (especially with regard to the Global North-South dependency resulting from green hydrogen production). In a two parts blog series, Andy Gheorghiu touches upon some of the aspects that promoters of green hydrogen should not forget.
Japan and South Korea must recognize blue hydrogen is not clean
The global energy system is undergoing a major transformation. Fossil fuel prices are soaring, and extreme weather and war are causing massive blackouts and energy shortages. A clean-energy transition is no longer just an option, but an absolute requirement for survival. As countries shift away from dirty fuels, governments and corporations are increasingly looking toward hydrogen as part of the solution. Robert Howarth has the details. This Piece was originally published on NikkeyAsia.
South Korea’s bet on hydrogen may cost its commitment to the Global Methane Pledge
South Korea is jeopardizing its ability to meet its 2030 methane reduction target under the Global Methane Pledge due to the country’s plans to massively expand fossil-based hydrogen, according to a recent study by Seoul-based Solutions for Our Climate (SFOC) led by legal, economic, financial, and environmental experts with experience in energy and climate policy. Jinny Kim explains.
EU hydrogen import targets— a neo-colonial resource grab
The REPowerEU plan to end Europe’s dependence on Russian gas would still leave it in hock to fossil-fuel companies. Pascoe Sabido has the story. A longer version originally appeared in Social Europe.
Green hydrogen as a substitute to Russian gas – could Latin America be an energy partner to Europe?
Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine means Europe has to look elsewhere to secure its energy supplies. Green hydrogen could be an important new fuel, and here Latin America has the potential to become the next energy partner to Europe. The ongoing trade talks for a EU-Mercosur free trade agreement can provide a space for such negotiations. Rebecca Bertram has the details.
Was 2021 a turning point for the South Korean Energy Transition?
South Korea’s carbon neutrality policy is advancing. In COP26, President Moon revealed South Korea’s goal for the 2030 nationally determined contribution (NDC). He pledged that South Korea will cut carbon emissions more than 40% of 2018 levels by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Yi hyun Kang explains South Korea’s climate rethink.
Romanian Power Move: Promises of a gassy, green hydrogen (r)evolution
Touted as a vital decarbonization tool, hydrogen’s eventual climate benefit hangs upon how it’s produced. When from fossil gas, it’s potentially as bad as coal. But when generated by renewables, it may live up to the hype. Flush with billions in European Union funds, Romania looks to become a hydrogen hub: producing H2 for local industry, home heating, new rail and mass transit projects and shipping on the Danube. And despite being Europe’s second biggest fossil gas producer, Bucharest assures its hydrogen revolution will be green. Lead blogger and podcaster Michael Buchsbaum continues his on-going Romanian review.