To enable a global low-carbon hydrogen market independent on hydrogen hub models, it is critical to solve the challenge of transporting hydrogen over long distances. Moving hydrogen, especially via pipelines and ships, presents challenges due to its low density, which requires either high-pressure compression or liquefaction to make it economically viable. Additionally, hydrogen's small molecule size leads to high rates of embrittlement and leakage, posing further challenges for pipeline material integrity and safety. To build out an effective hydrogen infrastructure system, advances in pipeline technology, robust safety protocols, and international standards for hydrogen handling are essential. Alongside these technical improvements, the implementation of supportive policies and financial incentives will be crucial to stimulate private sector investment in hydrogen transport and storage projects.

Attendee insights:

Understand the technical and economic barriers to scalable hydrogen transportation and storage networks, the innovations needed to overcome hydrogen's unique challenges and the strategies for integrating these solutions into a coherent infrastructure framework.

Realising the potential for hydrogen could yield substantial advantages for the energy sector, the environment, and businesses worldwide. It is estimated that incorporating hydrogen into the global energy system could prevent 6 gigatons of CO2 emissions, generate a $2.5 trillion market for fuel cell technologies, and create sustainable jobs for more than 30 million individuals. To establish hydrogen as a crucial component in the energy transition, significant scaling over the next decade is essential. Policymakers and business leaders should focus on creating demand, developing infrastructure, and scaling up production. According to a survey conducted by BCG, offtake and merchant risks are the highest concern for banks when considering backing hydrogen and CCUS projects.

Reducing costs and addressing risks related to offtake, regulations, water security, and project bankability are key factors that must be tackled to accelerate hydrogen's role in the energy transition. Moreover, with electrolysers produced in China being 75% cheaper than their Western counterparts, it is essential to develop a coordinated global approach to balance cost disparities. Understanding and fostering international cooperation is critical to enabling large-scale hydrogen production and distribution.

Attendee insights: 
Explore the critical actions required to scale hydrogen, including creating demand and understanding how early investments are essential for building large-scale infrastructure for distribution and expanding production.