Editorial comment
Hydrogen was under the spotlight during the recent COP28 conference, held in Dubai, UAE. For the first time, countries agreed on the need to “transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems”, and there was a call for an acceleration of zero- and low-emission technologies, including low-carbon hydrogen production A suite of flagship initiatives were launched with the intention of commercialising hydrogen and to unlock the socio-economic benefits of cross-border value chains for hydrogen and its derivatives.
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One of these initiatives was the intergovernmental ‘Declaration of Intent on Mutual Recognition of Certification Schemes for Hydrogen and Hydrogen Derivatives’, which was launched by more than 30 countries. Endorsers of the declaration seek to work toward mutual recognition of hydrogen certification schemes to help facilitate a global market. The declaration covers over 80% of the future market in hydrogen and its derivatives.
Other initiatives launched during the conference included ISO methodology providing a global benchmark for greenhouse gas emissions assessment of hydrogen pathways on a life-cycle analysis basis, and a Public-Private Action Statement on cross-border trade corridors in hydrogen and derivatives in partnership with the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF) and the Hydrogen Council. The initiatives were launched at the COP28 Presidency’s High-Level Roundtable on Hydrogen, which was attended by over two dozen ministerial officials of the prospective hydrogen importing and exporting countries. A delegation of top executives from 15 industrial leaders in hydrogen (members of the Hydrogen Council) were also present at the roundtable. Executives from Air Liquide, Air Products, Baker Hughes, Chart Industries, InterContinental Energy, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Linde, Topsoe and others outlined their significant investments in the sector, and called for incentives and clear regulation to help advance the industry.
Dr Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), noted that the initiatives launched during COP28 can be a “vital catalyst for accelerating clean energy transitions.” Meanwhile, Gerd Müller, Director General of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), praised the work carried out during the conference to advance clean hydrogen as the fuel of the future, arguing that “a just, low carbon hydrogen transition needs all of us to work together, share our knowledge and resources.” In this issue of Global Hydrogen Review, we share the expertise of a number of industry leaders who are helping to advance the hydrogen revolution. As you read through this issue, you will discover lessons learnt from the commissioning and building of a green hydrogen plant, a new method of hydrogen production using thermal waste treatment, the important role of advanced automation, and the impact that power supply can have on hydrogen production, plus much more.
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you who joined us for the third edition of our Global Hydrogen Conference back in November. The event was a great success, with around 1300 professionals from 95 countries registering to attend. I hope that you found the series of expert presentations insightful and informative. Stay tuned for more information about the fourth edition of the conference, coming next year.
