A profuse literature on hydrogen is coming forth from companies, governments, and energy market analysts. All are seeking the most likely paths forward for what is anticipated to be a key energy intermediary in a future carbon-free economy. It is all conceptual for now, as hydrogen production for industrial use remains quite carbon-intensive. It looks to later in the 2020s and 2030s, when hydrogen’s importance as an energy store and carrier should emerge. Hydrogen may prove indispensable for energy storage in the power sector, and for the sector coupling that interconnects energy users and power sources. A widespread view, held by the major energy agencies and others, is that ‘hydrogen hubs’ will play an important role in getting carbon-free hydrogen going. These industrial locales, in which electrolysis facilities are located in close proximity to industrial users, shipping and transport infrastructure, should offer scale efficiencies. Numerous regional plans to achieve […]