Hydrogen

Geogenic hydrogen—often called "white" or "natural" hydrogen—is gaining attention in recent reports as an alternative energy source in the transition away from fossil fuels. Formed deep within the Earth by geological processes, it promises to be a cheaper and less energy-intensive alternative to "green" hydrogen, which is produced from renewable electricity. However, this untapped resource comes with a large to-do list of research, policy development, social and environmental safeguards.

Green hydrogen is increasingly heralded as the best alternative to fossil fuels. But to prevent it from becoming another excuse for greenwashing, Western policymakers must work with their counterparts in the Global South to create an economically viable sector with strong environmental and social standards.

Russia’s aggressive war in Ukraine means Europe has to look elsewhere to secure its energy supplies. Green hydrogen could be an important new fuel, and here Latin America has the potential to become the next energy partner to Europe.

In a joint declaration, nine organisations call for binding and ambitious sustainability criteria for the production and trade of green hydrogen.

Rangelands in dry areas frequently offer perfect conditions for renewable energy projects. However, project developers often do not take the consequences for pastoralist communities into account. A transparent and participatory process is needed that includes pastoralists and respects their right to free, prior and informed consent (FPIC).

Within the energy transition, international trade in green hydrogen and its derivatives will play an important role. But what opportunities and risks does this entail for exporting countries in the global South? What framework is needed to ensure that investments and trade develop from the start with sustainability in mind? The Heinrich Böll Foundation and Bread for the World are exploring these questions in a joint project.

There are great hopes pinned to the Moroccan energy transition – not just in the North African kingdom itself, but also in Europe and Germany.

The prospect of a green hydrogen economy comes with significant opportunities and risks. There is a need to both promote and carefully shape the much needed expansion of production, while limiting the end use of green hydrogen.

The EU and Germany aim to be climate neutral by 2050 and 2045, respectively. The commitment to climate neutrality means that zero-emission alternatives will replace emissions-intensive processes and products. One energy alternative is climate-friendly hydrogen. However, hydrogen is not an all-purpose miracle that solves everything at once.