Green hydrogen and an evolving concept of energy security: challenges and comparisons

Abstract

The electrification of the global energy systems via renewable resources is seen as a key
method of decarbonization but as not all energy demand can be easily electrified new solutions
are needed. One of them is hydrogen. Production of green hydrogen requires large amounts of
renewables, wind and solar, and water. The transition to a net-zero energy system changes the
geopolitics of energy and while alleviating some problems might cause others. In this paper we
firstly map the evolution of the energy security concept and the place of hydrogen in that
discussion. Although a transition to a green energy system is considered a positive development
taking into consideration the climate needs, the shift itself may also bring challenges. We point
out three categories of risks linked to the wider use of green hydrogen: geopolitical, market
and trade challenges. Secondly, we evaluate the cost of green hydrogen and its derivatives from
eight exporting countries to the port of Rotterdam and evaluate cost developments in several
2035 and 2050 scenarios.

Keywords: hydrogen, energy security, renewables, hydrogen strategy, hydrogen economy, hydrogen derivatives