The hydrogen economy fairytale

Abstract

We present a quantitative and realistic analysis of the current situation of hydrogen production worldwide. Subsequently, we calculate the thresholds needed for applying so-called “green hydrogen” as an energy carrier on a scale that would make a sizeable change in the world energy market. Using a simple back-of-the-envelope calculation, we show that green hydrogen cannot account for even 10% of the world energy demand by 2050. Considering also the time and investment required for building a worldwide green hydrogen infrastructure, we conclude that the hydrogen economy narrative, while elegant and desirable, has no basis in reality in the 21^st century.