Does Hydrogen Have a Place in the Energy Transition?

Summary:

Despite the image of the burning Hindenburg zeppelin that has remained in our collective memory since 1937, hydrogen continues to be held in exceptional esteem. Since its combustion produces only pure water, it is perceived as "clean" and viewed as a possible future replacement for hydrocarbons. Germany, as part of its Energiewende, is counting on hydrogen to store massive quantities of intermittent energy from renewable sources (RES). The question has been raised whether this approach to energy transition is applicable in France.

This policy brief provides a particularly cautious response. Today, hydrogen is only produced for industrial purposes using a process that emits CO2. Carbon-free generation of hydrogen is technically possible by electrolysing water, but the efficiency is poor and the costs are high. Using this approach to enhance the value of excess renewable energy risks increasing the price of electricity. There is ample enthusiasm in Germany for hydrogen powered vehicles, but it does not appear that they will be able to compete with combustion or electric powered vehicles for a long time because fuel cell technology is not yet mature. Additionally, the deployment of a distribution infrastructure would be quite costly.

We therefore recommend conducting further R&D work on electrolysers and fuel cells before considering their substantive or experimental deployment. An impact assessment of hydrogen solutions must take into account, among other things, the economic consequences on other energy sectors (gas, electricity, fuels) and the safety issues.

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