Read on Twitter
What's the reason that people get *so* excited about hydrogen? There were so many good responses and discussions when I asked this question that it's worth attempting a summary. Here's a review thread, for hydrogen afficionados and sceptics alike: https://twitter.com/HeilmannFelix/status/1330869741108518920
First, a quick clarification. My question was about why hydrogen seems to excite people *so much more* than other clean energy solutions. There's no doubt that hydrogen can do exciting things, but its ability to do so often even depends on those other technologies. Let's go.
(1) Using hydrogen is key for some decarbonization challenges, many people said. True. But does it justify the extremely high level of excitement? Why is there a Clean Hydrogen Alliance but not an Energy Efficiency Alliance in the EU, for example? https://twitter.com/croselund/status/1331057977315504130?s=20
(2) There must be more to the hydrogen excitement than just its technical benefits. Here's a simple reason for what's contributing to it - the fact that one of the most powerful industries around sees hydrogen as its lifeline. https://twitter.com/gnievchenko/status/1330886676856643586
(3) I agree that its appeal also comes from appearing to be a decarbonisation option that doesn't require fundamental changes to the status quo, which has made it a good "decarbonisation" story for voices that aren't too interested in decarbonisation. https://twitter.com/duncanmgibb/status/1330952541031575553
But note that this is wrong. Hydrogen is an energy carrier, not a source, and it must come from somewhere. To enable sustainable hydrogen production and consumption, renewables must grow, and new technologies especially in industry have to scale up. https://twitter.com/labruunt/status/1330872507008692224?s=20
(4) One of my favourite responses: hydrogen seems to make the transition less complex. Which is strange because sustainable hydrogen use depends on a successful energy transition across its many complexities. It can succeed only when renewables succeed. https://twitter.com/mtaylor_nz/status/1330921506000547845
(5) And there are some interesting and very valid responses on it's emotional appeal: a process with nothing but water coming out at the end just feels great. Makes sense to me, though this is nothing renewable electricity couldn't also do, minus the water. https://twitter.com/thestanceman1/status/1331135390443593734
There were many other great responses, thanks to everyone who's responded! These were just some examples, it's worth reading all replies.
My take-away: the (necessary!) success of hydrogen depends on embracing, not sidelining, the complexity of the system-wide energy transition.
My take-away: the (necessary!) success of hydrogen depends on embracing, not sidelining, the complexity of the system-wide energy transition.
