Author: Arnes Biogradlija

“The holy grail” of the energy future – hydrogen may soon have a very serious problem, which, if not solved quickly, will bring the whole “hydrogen revolution” to a halt for us. This is caused by the already absolute certainty that hydrogen in the Earth’s atmosphere reacts with tropospheric hydroxyl (OH) radicals. Therefore, its uncontrolled emission into the atmosphere disturbs the distribution and holds dangerously the decomposition of methane, ozone or water vapour, which can lead us, in the short term, to a possible climate cataclysm.

Germany has long been known for its ambitious plans to transition away from fossil fuels, and green hydrogen has been a critical element in this strategy. However, the country can only meet 30% of its own needs for this clean fuel, according to German Economy Minister Robert Habeck. This shortfall has led the country to search for trade partners to deliver the remaining 70% of its green hydrogen needs.

A new report prepared by the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP) estimates India will reach an annual green hydrogen demand of 2.85 million metric tons (MMT) by 2030 if existing momentum in the public and private sectors for green hydrogen continues and announced projects get implemented. The report highlights that the fertilizer and export sectors will account for nearly 37% and 29% of the total 2.85 MMT green hydrogen demand, respectively.

Colombia’s Minister of Mines, Irene Vélez, revealed her talks with EDP Renewables, during her visit to Portugal with President Gustavo Petro. Vélez said that EDP has shown a great interest in producing green hydrogen in Colombia. Colombia is promoting clean energy production, and its National Development Plan provides for “pioneering green hydrogen projects.” The government is giving top priority to this goal.

The ministers of Austria, Germany, and Italy have jointly written to the European Commission, urging support for a group of infrastructure projects to transport green hydrogen from North Africa, in a bid to create a European market for low-carbon fuel.

The State of Ceará in Brazil and the Netherlands are set to sign a document for the creation of the Green Hydrogen Corridor and the Green Ports Partnership. The initiative aims to boost the implementation of the green hydrogen hub in the Pecém Complex and strengthen the State’s position as a leader in the internationalization of green hydrogen in Brazil.

Japanese automaker Honda has announced its plans to launch a new fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) in Japan and North America starting in 2024. Honda’s FCEV will be equipped with a next-generation fuel cell system co-developed with US automaker General Motors.

PLN (Persero), the Indonesian state-owned electricity company, is looking to partner with French energy companies to develop green hydrogen technology and reduce Indonesia’s dependence on fossil fuels.

The Rotterdam Harbour in the Netherlands has announced that it has identified a viable method to produce green hydrogen, a clean energy source that can replace fossil fuels.

Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province has signed a business agreement with GS Energy to promote the Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex. The Uljin military has been promoting the ‘Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Park,’ which is expected to receive a boost from this business agreement.