Cross-cutting analysis

Green hydrogen, produced using clean energy sources like renewable power, has the potential to contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy. Hydrogen is a crosscutting energy vector that can help to decarbonise end-use sectors like heavy industry or transport, and provide a flexible solution for integrating higher shares of variable renewable energy sources. Hydrogen could cover more than one fifth of the total global energy demand in 2050, and at least two-thirds of the total production is projected to be green hydrogen, supporting the transition to a net-zero emission global energy system. This implies a total cumulative investment need of USD 5-12 trillion in renewable power, electrolysers and pipeline reconfiguration by 2050.

By 2050, countries outside of the Organisation for Co-operation and Economic Development (OECD) that are primarily represented by emerging and developing economies would need the most green hydrogen to contribute to decarbonising their industry and transport sectors. Fortunately, many emerging and developing countries are endowed with abundant low-cost renewable energy resources that can make them major producers of green hydrogen that can potentially bring large social and economic benefits.

Solutions are urgently needed, however, as there is no one-size-fits-all solution and national strategies released today show that decisions are made based on local and national circumstances. The complexity of the hydrogen value chain requires approaching it from a system perspective encompassing the entire value chain, to identify the benefits that fit these circumstances and priorities. Moreover, implementing measures to create an enabling environment for project developers and developing suitable financing solutions will play a crucial role in fostering the creation and growth of the green hydrogen market.

This webinar, organised by the OECD’s Clean Energy Finance and Investment Mobilisation programme, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of addressing the entire value chain of green hydrogen to assess a country’s potential and to help identify key enabling market and investment de-risking solutions.