In search of a sustainable hydrogen economy: How a large-scale transition to hydrogen may affect the primary energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions

This paper reveals assessments made by a pan-European strategic project entitled HySociety (2003–2005), in which political, societal and technical challenges for developing a European hydrogen economy were addressed [Hetland J/SINTEF, editor, Task 2.3 D17. Set of actions to be taken at European level for the hydrogen society infrastructure. HySociety. Scientific report to be published on 〈〈www.hysociety.net〉〉, 2005]. From this work it has become evident that fossil fuels represent the most competitive option for hydrogen supply over the foreseeable future. Therefore it is mandatory to manage the reserves in a most sustainable way. The continued dependency of fossil fuels raises geopolitical issues of growing concern. Strategic questions pertaining to hydrogen energy are the prerequisites for supply versus the primary energy demand, greenhouse gas emissions and cost expectation in which hydrogen and fuel cells should be looked at in a broader context.Strategically hydrogen and fuel cells should be regarded intruders that provoke countermeasures from established market players. Hydrogen energy strategies should therefore be focused on firm objectives. To illustrate the importance of making appropriate priorities, the paper will assess the role of natural gas as a real option in transport.