The Future of Renewable Hydrogen in the European Union: Market and Geopolitical Implications

Authors: Alejandro Nuñez-Jimenez and Nicola De Blasio

March 2022

Abstract

This report focuses on the market and geopolitical implications of renewable hydrogen adoption at scale in the European Union (EU) and presents long-term strategies based on three reference scenarios. Each scenario focuses on one key strategic variable: energy independence, cost (optimization), or energy security.

Our analysis shows that only by working together can the EU become a global leader in clean hydrogen innovation and simultaneously contribute to the EU’s climate and energy security goals, a more robust economy, and a more integrated union.

What would it require to become hydrogen independent? Where should production be located for cost-competitive supplies? What is the enabling infrastructure that needs to be developed and deployed at scale? How could supply risks be mitigated? Only a thorough analysis of future scenarios can provide policymakers and investors with answers to these key questions, as well as a deep understanding of the associated market and geopolitical implications.


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For Academic Citation: Nuñez-Jimenez, A., and De Blasio, N., (2022),The Future of Renewable Hydrogen in the European Union: Market and Geopolitical Implications," Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School, February, 2022.

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