DNNGY - The Hydrogen Economy: The Picture Is Confused The Timeline Too Long

• Huge emissions reductions are needed by 2030 to address climate change. Projections for green hydrogen don't have significant impact before 2030.
• The core rationale for hydrogen is as a transportable energy storage system. Only green hydrogen energy is clean; currently, it is made almost entirely from natural gas.
• There is little discussion of uses for hydrogen, which might include transport, heating, industrial use. These potential uses are poorly articulated and their (lack of) cost competitiveness overlooked.
• Energy storage needs in a flexible grid are much smaller than many indicate; time shifting, demand management, and batteries are sufficient. Electric car batteries will become a huge storage reservoir to be tapped.
• Hydrogen is interesting clean energy but it is unclear if can be made available cost effectively at scale and in time. Be cautious about investing in hydrogen; current projects are still at the “proof of concept” stage.

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