US and China lead G20 in hydrogen fuel development

The U.S. and China are leading the G20 in efforts to develop hydrogen fuels, according to new research from the University of Sheffield.

In a study published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, academics examined hydrogen legislation, investment and strategies across G20 nations—key indicators of each country’s progress in establishing a hydrogen economy.

The investigation found that the U.S. and China are the most advanced across all aspects, followed by the U.K., the EU and Canada.

Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Turkey were assessed as having the least mature hydrogen economies, while South Korea, Russia, and India are considered to be in the middle of the G20 for their progress.

The assessment by the Sheffield team also revealed some disparities in some of the nations’ development. For example, Japan was found to be advanced in its strategy and planning, but trailing the G20 in investment and establishing hydrogen standards—indicating gaps in its commitment to establishing a hydrogen economy. A similar pattern was observed in Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Argentina and India.

Findings from the study show that hydrogen standards and legislation vary significantly across the G20. Only China, the U.S. and the U.K. have published updated hydrogen standards. Some countries have prepared their own national standards in recent years, such as Argentina, Italy and France, but some nations have no hydrogen standards whatsoever—these countries are Brazil, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea and Turkey.

The Sheffield academics are now calling for the G20 to develop an internationally recognized standard to help accelerate hydrogen development.

Professor Lenny Koh, director of the Advanced Resource Efficiency Center and Co-head of the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield, said, “Hydrogen fuels are seen as being key to us shifting away from fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions, however our research has found that the G20 varies significantly in the progress each nation is making.

“While there are countries that are doing well, there are many that are falling behind and significant gaps that need closing to help speed up hydrogen development. One key thing that the G20 could do is create internationally recognized standards, which would help establish a unified market. This should begin with a clear definition of hydrogen and standardized emission thresholds to reduce confusion among stakeholders involved in establishing hydrogen economies throughout the G20.”

Dr. Moein Shamoushaki, research associate at the University of Sheffield’s Management School, said, “The examination by the Sheffield team can help G20 nations see the gaps in their hydrogen economy and inform their future investments and policies. This targeted investment is crucial in making legislation around hydrogen effective.”