The potential of a hydrogen economy: an economic and social perspective

In order to create a comprehensive overview of a future hydrogen economy, different climate target and energy demand scenarios will be considered and the key issues of economic relevance, value creation, climate protection, public support and demand for hydrogen will be examined. This chapter starts with a section on the economic relevance of hydrogen and hydrogen-based synthesis products and makes predictions as to how a potential hydrogen market may develop in the future. It then discusses the value chain that would result from a climate-neutral hydrogen economy and addresses the sales and labor market potential that chain would give rise to. Lastly, it highlights the opportunities this would present for German industry. Subsequently, the chapter focuses on how the use of hydrogen can help achieve climate and environmental targets, including an explanation of how hydrogen production can potentially help to reduce greenhouse gas generation, depending on which raw materials are used. Finally, three essential factors for achieving public support for and removing the barriers to a hydrogen economy will be discussed, followed by the challenges and opportunities that a hydrogen economy would present for the key demand sectors of industry, transportation, heating and energy.