Global greenhouse gas emissions mitigation potential of existing and planned hydrogen projects
OPEN ACCESS
Loading...
Author / Producer
Date
2025-12
Publication Type
Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
OPEN ACCESS
Data
Rights / License
Abstract
Hydrogen will play a critical role in decarbonizing diverse economic sectors. However, given limited sustainable resources and the energy-intensive nature of its production, prioritizing its applications will be essential. Here, we analyse approximately 2,000 (low-carbon) hydrogen projects worldwide, encompassing operational and planned initiatives until 2043, quantifying their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigation potential from a life cycle perspective. Our results demonstrate the variability in GHG emissions of hydrogen applications, depending on the geographical location and hydrogen source used. The most climate-effective hydrogen applications include steel-making, biofuels and ammonia, while hydrogen use for road transport, power generation and domestic heating should be discouraged as more favourable alternatives exist. Planned low-carbon hydrogen projects could generate 110 MtH2 yr⁻¹, emit approximately 0.4 GtCO2e yr⁻¹, and potentially reduce net life cycle GHG emissions by 0.2–1.1 GtCO2e yr⁻¹ by 2043, depending on the substituted product or service. Addressing the current hydrogen implementation gap and prioritizing climate-effective applications are crucial for meeting decarbonization goals.
Permanent link
Publication status
published
External links
Editor
Book title
Journal / series
Volume
10 (12)
Pages / Article No.
1503 - 1515
Publisher
Nature
Event
Edition / version
Methods
Software
Geographic location
Date collected
Date created
Subject
Climate-change impacts; Energy efficiency; Energy supply and demand; Environmental impact
Organisational unit
09752 - McKenna, Russell / McKenna, Russell