Through research and convenings, the GEC’s hydrogen program advances public understanding of hydrogen technology; provides key insights into the geopolitical, economic, environmental, and regulatory dynamics shaping hydrogen’s role in the energy transition; and advocates for policies that accelerate market-driven decarbonization.  

With hydrogen increasingly moving to the center of decarbonization conversations, there is a real need to understand the technology’s potential – and limitations. Consequently, the GEC seeks to identify use cases where hydrogen is an ideal decarbonization candidate, but also ensure that scarce financial and clean energy resources are not deployed in applications where hydrogen deployment is not optimal from a carbon abatement or economic perspective. The program is agnostic about the “color” of hydrogen, but not indifferent to its carbon content, and seeks to apply nuance to discussions surrounding H2, all with the aim of advancing the public interest in a promising yet nascent technology.

PAST EVENTS

hydrogen policy sprint

In order for hydrogen to become a viable decarbonization solution in the United States, a narrative shift and a framework of policies that can enable its deployment are needed. The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center’s hydrogen policy sprint examines the opportunities and challenges for developing a clean hydrogen economy in the United States and offer policy recommendations for efficiently and effectively scaling clean hydrogen production and consumption.

Staff

Experts

The Global Energy Center promotes energy security by working alongside government, industry, civil society, and public stakeholders to devise pragmatic solutions to the geopolitical, sustainability, and economic challenges of the changing global energy landscape.

Content

EnergySource

Mar 14, 2024

Hydrogen challenges in a post-45V world 

By Matthew Blieske and Joseph Webster

Despite the US Treasury’s guidance on the 45V tax credit to promote "qualified clean hydrogen" production, domestic investment in the hydrogen ecosystem has yet to ramp up. 45V will be impactful, but as long as technical, commercial, and regulatory challenges remain unaddressed, the industry will not reach its full potential.

Americas Energy & Environment

Enabling net-zero solutions

Mar 4, 2024

Toward harmonizing transatlantic hydrogen policies: Understanding the gaps

By Joseph Webster and Pau Ruiz Guix

Clean hydrogen is becoming a critical tool for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. While the US and EU governments are supporting the growth of their respective hydrogen industries, they must identify gaps in transatlantic approaches to effectively build on each others' efforts rather than create hinderances.

European Union Geopolitics & Energy Security

Global Energy Agenda

Nov 30, 2023

The 2024 Global Energy Agenda

By Landon Derentz, Christine Suh, Paul Kielstra (Editors)

The fourth edition of the Global Energy Agenda kicks off with a collection of essays by energy leaders that are rolling out during COP28. Rounding out the Agenda in early 2024, the Atlantic Council Global Energy Center will release the results of its annual survey of experts that takes the pulse on the geopolitical risks affecting energy markets, the future of fossil fuels, and the transition to clean energy.

Energy & Environment Geopolitics & Energy Security

EnergySource

Oct 19, 2023

Quick takeaways on the United States’ historic investment in clean hydrogen hubs

By Joseph Webster, William Tobin

The US DOE announced $7 billion in funding for clean hydrogen hubs across the US, the single largest public investment in US hydrogen to date.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

EnergySource

Sep 21, 2023

The United States’ edge in the clean energy economy starts with outcompeting China on hydrogen

By Landon Derentz

The Biden administration’s momentum on bolstering the United States’ significance in the global green economy must start with an inclusive approach to hydrogen tax credits.

Energy & Environment Energy Markets & Governance

In-Depth Research & Reports

Aug 7, 2023

The on-ramp for hydrogen: The natural gas network

By Cynthia Quarterman

This Global Energy Center report examines how blending hydrogen into US gas pipelines can quickly support demand growth for this key technology for US decarbonization objectives. The report provides recommendations for how policymakers can create a favorable regulatory environment to overcome technical obstacles to scaling up hydrogen deployment.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

EnergySource

May 5, 2023

Green hydrogen: Loaded up and (long-haul) trucking

By Joseph Webster, William Tobin

California and Texas are two potential markets to advance hydrogen-fueled trucking. Both states have excellent potential and can decarbonize heavy-duty transportation.

Climate Change & Climate Action Energy & Environment

Issue Brief

Mar 23, 2023

Can hydrogen fuel reduce aviation’s climate impact?

By Joseph Webster

Hydrogen looks to be a promising avenue for aviation decarbonization. But several challenges remain before the industry can make the switch. If these challenges are managed properly, hydrogen aviation could move from a distant prospect to an emerging reality in the next five to ten years.

Energy & Environment Renewables & Advanced Energy

EnergySource

Mar 14, 2023

Harmonizing hydrogen ambitions and realities

By William Tobin, Joseph Webster

Hydrogen's chemical properties determine its most optimal uses. Policymakers should orient deployment toward areas in which hydrogen makes the most sense as a tool for decarbonization and away from areas in which it does not.

Energy & Environment Energy Transitions

EnergySource

Mar 9, 2023

Sub-Saharan green hydrogen as a catalyst for development

By Daniel Helmeci

Green hydrogen has the potential to turn sub-Saharan Africa's abundant renewable resources into fuel for a sustainable economy. If supporting infrastructure can be built to harness this potential, the entire region could see the benefits.

Africa Energy & Environment