Global hydrogen consumption in 2022 was 95 million tons, 3% more than the previous year, although with little weight in its low-emissions variant, which represented just 0.6% of total demand.
According to a report prepared by the International Energy Agency (IEA), more than 40 countries have national strategies for hydrogen, mainly to promote the decarbonization of the economy, guarantee energy supply and find new industrial applications to use this material.
The institution highlights that the number of projects focused on hydrogen production has skyrocketed in recent years and that if they were all carried out, a power of 420 GW (gigawatts) of electrolysis – the process with which hydrogen is generated – would be reached. element- through 2030.
China and Europe are the regions where the majority of electrolysis initiatives are concentrated, up to 14 GW, reported the Efe agency.
Despite the progress, the low-emission variant – coming from renewable energy, nuclear or CO2 capture – is a minority within the generation and consumption rates and only accounts for 1% of the total, which has meant that hydrogen production has released 900 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) in 2022.
The objective is to promote the generation of low-emission hydrogen, which could reach 38 million tons in 2030, provided that all planned projects are developed, the organization highlighted.
Thus, the IEA requires a greater investment effort on the part of governments, the promotion of international cooperation, the establishment of general and flexible regulations so as not to discourage investment, and support for project promoters.
In turn, the organization considers it essential to increase the demand for hydrogen, even below production levels.
Source: TSF
