This insight paper investigates the hydrogen value chain, from production to end-user, and assesses how this complex and multifaceted energy solution can best be supported by targeted policy interventions.
Regen’s latest insight paper, written by Regen director Johnny Gowdy.
This paper is part of Regen’s on-going research and analysis on the emerging low carbon hydrogen sector, in which we consider the opportunities and challenges of integrating hydrogen into the energy system. This insight paper investigates the hydrogen value chain, from production to end-user, and assesses how this complex and multifaceted energy solution can best be supported by targeted policy interventions.
As this paper sets out, there are strong arguments to encourage innovation, develop new consumer markets and accelerate investment in hydrogen production and distribution assets through policy intervention. Policy makers need to tread carefully, however, and should not think of hydrogen as just a direct replacement for natural gas or akin to electricity.
With a complex value chain, as well as relative market immaturity, hydrogen requires a more strategic approach that focuses on nurturing consumer demand-led markets that will continue to drive innovation, carbon reduction and cost efficiency, enabling low carbon hydrogen to deliver its full economic and decarbonisation potential.