Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election could have significant implications for the future of hydrogen energy in the United States. The incoming administration’s stance on hydrogen technology, particularly in the automotive sector, appears to be skeptical and could potentially reshape the country’s energy landscape.

Trump’s Stance on Hydrogen

During a recent rally in Michigan, Trump made a controversial statement about hydrogen-powered vehicles, pledging to end their production. He claimed, “You’re going to build electric cars and you’re going to build all kinds of cars except hydrogen. There will be no hydrogen. They tend to blow up. And once they blow up, you are not recognizable anymore.” This statement, while factually incorrect, reflects a broader skepticism towards hydrogen technology within Trump’s circle.Trump’s rhetoric on hydrogen cars aligns with his general approach to energy policy, which heavily favors fossil fuels and traditional energy sources. His campaign has emphasized “energy dominance” and a return to policies that prioritize oil and gas production. This stance could potentially dampen investor confidence and slow the adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles in the U.S.

The Influence of Elon Musk

It’s worth noting that Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and has reportedly provided significant funding to his campaign. Musk’s influence on Trump’s energy policies, particularly regarding electric vehicles and hydrogen technology, cannot be overlooked.Musk has long been a critic of hydrogen fuel cells, describing them as “mind-bogglingly stupid” and “staggeringly dumb” for use in vehicles. He argues that battery-electric solutions are far more efficient and practical. In recent statements, Musk has called government funding for hydrogen trucks “idiotic” and “bizarre,” directly challenging initiatives like the Hydrogen for Trucks Act.Given Musk’s close relationship with Trump and his strong opinions on hydrogen technology, it’s possible that his views have influenced Trump’s stance on the matter. This alignment could further shape the incoming administration’s policies regarding hydrogen energy.

Potential Policy Implications

Despite Trump’s campaign rhetoric and Musk’s influence, the future of hydrogen energy in the U.S. may not be as bleak as it initially appears. Several factors could moderate the administration’s approach:

Existing Tax Credits: The hydrogen production tax credits passed by Congress in 2022 as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) are likely to survive, according to industry lobbyists. These incentives are crucial for the development of the hydrogen industry.
Political Realities: While Trump has promised to terminate the “Green New Scam” and rescind unspent IRA funds, the political landscape may make a complete reversal difficult. Many Republican districts are benefiting from IRA funding, and some GOP lawmakers oppose drastic changes to the policy.
Industry Interest: The oil and gas industry, a significant supporter of Trump, has expressed interest in hydrogen technologies, particularly in “blue hydrogen” produced from natural gas with carbon capture.
Potential Shift in Focus: The incoming administration might focus more on hydrogen production methods that utilize natural gas, potentially shifting away from “green hydrogen” produced using renewable energy. This could align with Trump’s pro-fossil fuel stance while still supporting hydrogen development to some extent.

Challenges and Uncertainties

The hydrogen industry faces several challenges under a Trump administration:

Public Perception: Trump’s inaccurate statements about hydrogen cars exploding could negatively impact public perception and acceptance of the technology.
Funding Priorities: The administration may redirect funding from renewable energy projects, including hydrogen, towards fossil fuel initiatives.
Regulatory Environment: There could be a rollback of regulations that currently support the development of clean energy technologies, including hydrogen.
International Competitiveness: A shift away from hydrogen technology could potentially put the U.S. at a disadvantage in the global race to develop and commercialize hydrogen solutions.

While Trump’s election may create uncertainty for the hydrogen sector, especially in transportation, the industry’s future in the U.S. is likely to be shaped by a complex interplay of political, economic, and technological factors beyond just presidential rhetoric. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether hydrogen will play a significant role in America’s energy future or if other technologies, particularly battery-electric solutions championed by influential figures like Elon Musk, will dominate the landscape.