International Hydrogen Plans Update – Other Countries

Along with private investment, governmental support can help boost a technology into the mainstream. As described in our last blog on international hydrogen plans, hydrogen is quickly becoming a popular technology tool for governments to combat climate change, provide for economic growth, and ensure energy security. While we previously explored the numerous developments across Europe, many other countries across the globe are looking toward hydrogen by developing their own official strategies to take advantage of all it has to offer.

Chile

In South America, the Chilean Government has unveiled a national hydrogen strategy to boost renewable hydrogen opportunities in the country. Goals include increasing electrolysis capacity by building or beginning development of 5 gigawatts (GW) of electrolyzers by 2025 and reaching 25 GW by 2030. The strategy estimates renewable hydrogen exports and derivatives could reach $2.5 billion annually over this timeframe. Chile plans to kickstart this reality by investing $50 million to develop these projects.

Canada

In June 2020, Canada announced the development of a national hydrogen strategy. While it was in development, the Canadian province of Alberta took initiative by releasing the Natural Gas Vision and Strategy, which focuses on growing hydrogen production via steam reformed methane combined with carbon capture. While not a national strategy, the interest at the local and provincial level reflects the growing importance of hydrogen. In December, Canada finally unveiled a hydrogen strategy, speculating a need for CAD 5 billion – CAD 7 billion (~$3.93 billion – $5.50 billion) in near-term investments to grow the hydrogen industry. Though no new money was dedicated to the efforts, the strategy will guide policy to come.

India

India is developing a roadmap for hydrogen by encouraging the private sector to scale up a focus on renewable hydrogen. The Indian government is looking at schemes to create a large market for hydrogen with policies that encourage hydrogen use and fuel cell adoption.

China

China has signaled strong support for development of hydrogen technologies through its policies, including the release of an update to its 2017 new energy vehicles development plan., which includes provisions for fuel cell vehicles. China also rolled out new policies specifically designed to support hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, by requiring local governments and companies to work toward the establishment of a robust hydrogen supply chain and business model, with the goal of strengthening the industry. In addition, China’s newest Five-Year Plan called for half of the country’s vehicles to be electric by 2035, including fuel cell vehicles as a qualifying electric vehicle.

We look forward to seeing what these plans bring about, and which countries will be next in announcing a hydrogen strategy. It is important that the United States considers drafting a plan of its own.  As the leading country in hydrogen technological innovation, an American Hydrogen Strategy would help secure that place for the years ahead, as well as enable economic growth and environmental security. It is time that we followed in the wake of new reports, such as the McKinsey & Company study Roadmap to a US Hydrogen Economy, and the work done at the International Partnership of Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy, to realize a dedicated strategy of our own.