HEC WEBINAR | Potential and risks of hydrogen-based e-fuels in climate change mitigation

Guest Speaker: Dr Falko Ueckerdt, Head, National Energy Transitions Team, Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research [bio]

When: Monday, January 10th, 10-11 a.m. Eastern Time (via Zoom)

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Summary: Dr. Falko Ueckerdt will present the structuring of the current hydrogen debate (from a German/EU perspective) and go through key techno-economic aspects that determine the role of hydrogen-based e-fuels, particularly compared to a direct electrification. This includes green hydrogen electrolysis expansion (available quantities), energy efficiency, climate mitigation effectiveness, as well as direct and abatement costs. Dr. Falko briefly discusses blue hydrogen and other options for bridging the low midterm availability of green hydrogen. In his conclusions, he argues that societies’ hydrogen expectations first focus on « no-regret » sectors such as basic material industries and long-distance transport. Broadly betting on future hydrogen potential, while neglecting available direct electrification technologies using domestic renewable expansion and reduction of energy demand, risks further fossil fuel lock-in and dependence of the economy.

Source : Ueckerdt, F., Bauer, C., Dirnaichner, A., Everall, J., Sacchi, R., Luderer, G. (2021), Potential and risks of hydrogen-based e-fuels in climate change mitigation, Nature Climate Change, https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41558-021-01032-7

Scenario work conducted as part of the German Ariadne project.