Considerations of a possible global hydrogen energy trade

Abstract

Scientific literature and the energy policies of many countries indicate that hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia and synthetic hydrocarbons, are likely to play an important role in future energy systems and economies. Global plans indicate that import-export energy markets will likely continue to be part of future energy systems, but there has been limited literature on the specific evolution of international energy trade with regards to magnitudes, potential energy carriers, and influence of social and economic factors. Here we review and discuss various aspects of hydrogen’s potential for becoming a globally tradeable energy commodity in the context of the Frontiers in Energy Research Topic: “Export and import of electrolytic hydrogen using renewable energy and subsequent synthetic fuels between regions–assessment of technology routes, potentials, and strategies”. Technical challenges are likely to impact that hydrogen potential including the form of energy being transported, primary energy and raw material availability and costs, hydrogen generation, derivative synthesis, and transport infrastructure. Timing of infrastructure development is a key consideration due to the potential economic impacts of unusable infrastructure if export, import, and transport capabilities become available at different times. Additionally, we identify and review social and market considerations including hydrogen certification, water availability and use, ecologic considerations, social acceptance, other human factors, investment risk, and market development. Based on those considerations, we propose factors that would benefit nations and investors to consider as they contemplate investments in hydrogen systems and set the stage for further research contributions to this Frontiers in Energy Research Topic.