Closing The Renewables Gap: How Do We Find the Renewable Power to Produce Green Hydrogen?

Synopsis

Utilizing existing renewable energy sources for planned green hydrogen initiatives could lead to greenhouse gas emissions of 1.5 to five times higher than those from gray hydrogen production. This figure increases if renewable energy, planned for grid use, is replaced by coal and gas-fired energy sources. How can we ensure the transition to green hydrogen aligns with its decarbonization objectives?

• What strategies can be employed to rapidly scale up to meet the growing demand for green hydrogen in the USA, considering the projected ’10 million tonnes of hydrogen per year by 2030 for domestic consumption?
• How can the government enhance the alignment between funding for renewables under the IRA and the tariffs on imported renewable equipment, and what role can mandates or subsidies play in boosting domestic manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines to meet the growing demand?
• An analysis of the cost dynamics of green hydrogen, with aspirations for costs to plummet to as low as $1.40/kg by 2030. What steps can be taken to drive down costs and make green hydrogen economically competitive?
• How can renewable developers secure the economic viability of green hydrogen production considering initial equipment and maintenance costs?
• Should developers utilize standalone wind or solar projects with battery storage, considering the economic concerns surrounding green hydrogen?