AREC's PDRA Liang Kong attended the Hydrogen UK Conference, which provided an excellent opportunity to explore the current landscape of the hydrogen (H2) sector. The conference offered 72 exhibitions featuring cutting-edge technologies and many fascinating talks led by the top (H2) supply chain partners. The conference emphasised the critical importance of H2 development, showcased opportunities and highlighted risks associated with the sector.
Its versatility and emission-free nature make H2 a key player in addressing pressing global challenges. As an emissions-free fuel, H2 offers a solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across various sectors and potentially serving as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels. Given that renewable energy sources can be intermittent, H2 would also offer more energy security.
Embracing an H2-based economy holds transformative potential, promising to reshape multiple sectors, revamp commercial structures, and foster a more sustainable and resilient future. The H2 economy offers numerous opportunities across the entire value chain: escalating infrastructure development, technology innovation, production, storage, and distribution solutions.
Hydrogen infrastructure on a national scale is anticipated to drive down production costs, particularly with the scalability of offshore wind energy, potentially making green H2 economically viable with minimal subsidy support. It would also facilitate international trade, enhance global energy security, foster economic opportunities for export and import, promote collaboration and innovation in H2 technologies, and contribute to the transition towards a low-carbon economy.
The transition towards H2 infrastructure requires a robust business model supported by clear government policies to maintain market confidence and ensure regulatory attractiveness throughout the value chain. Balanced strategies for import and export considering local demand, cost and power grid deployment, and an informed public to avoid resistance to the H2 economy are also crucial for a smooth transformation to the H2 economy and infrastructure.