The number of planned or announced hydrogen projects across Europe is almost double that of current operational projects, as demand for clean energy solutions heightens globally, according to research by global law firm DLA Piper and inspiratia.
DLA Piper’s report ‘The hydrogen Revolution in EMEA’ shows that there are 192 planned or announced hydrogen projects in Europe compared to 107 current operational projects on the continent. It analyses how the hydrogen market is developing, and the different approaches that are being taken across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
The attraction of hydrogen an energy carrier is enhanced by its energy density, more than twice that of natural gas. DLA Piper’s report argues that investment in clean energy such as hydrogen will be a vital part of global economic recovery post pandemic and building a sustainable future.
Current forecasts anticipate that demand for hydrogen will continue to steadily increase towards 2050. Data suggest that global hydrogen demand will require additional generation of 35-1100 TWh per year by 2030, increasing to 300-19 000 TWh per year by 2050. However, the challenge for hydrogen, according to DLA Piper, is to unlock pathways to the production of blue and, in particular, green hydrogen, and to serve increasing demand with decreased reliance on those methods of production which do not serve the zero-carbon agenda. The report sheds light on the different approaches to that which are being taken around the world.
James Carter, UK head of Energy and Natural Resources at DLA Piper, said: “All aspects of the energy and natural resources sector, across the globe, are going through immense change as they seek to address climate change issues and engage with energy transition. There are also significant economic drivers supporting that change, most notably the global need for sustainable economic recovery in a post-pandemic world. It is in that context that cleaner (and clean) hydrogen presents an opportunity to radically change the energy mix in many jurisdictions in a way that has long term benefits for both the planet and the global economy. At DLA Piper we look forward to playing a leading role in that.”
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