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Carbon Solutions analysts modeled dozens of typical hydrogen production pathways through the use of peer-reviewed published literature and tools like Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET Lifecycle Model. In addition to the conventional SMR process mentioned above, we also included hydrogen produced via autothermal reforming (ATR), a process similar to SMR. Both the SMR and ATR processes are compatible with carbon capture equipment, leading to deep carbon reductions when captured CO2 is stored permanently. We also studied hydrogen production via electrolysis, where water molecules are split into hydrogen and oxygen through the use of electricity. When powered primarily with zero-carbon electricity from renewables or nuclear power, electrolysis-based hydrogen can provide some of the largest GHG reductions of the pathways we studied.

The Quad nations of Japan, the U.S., Australia and India agreed on Wednesday to promote technological development for clean-burning hydrogen and ammonia as fuels at the security grouping's first energy meeting.

The uptake of hydrogen will differ significantly by region, heavily influenced by policy.

But hydrogen faces the same challenge as just about every other clean technology: Can we get the price down far enough, fast enough? If people have to pay too much to be green, change will happen too slowly. But if we get the Green Premiums down near zero, there is a chance to build a prosperous net-zero economy. It’s going to take a big push for collaboration between business and governments, which, together, can make innovation happen much faster than usual by being aggressive with investments and policies.