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CAN Europe’s views

Hydrogen could play a promising long-term role in a sustainable energy system using high efficiency, non-polluting fuel cells and if it is made from environmentally friendly energy sources. However as an energy carrier, much like electricity, the environmental benefits of hydrogen depend on its sources of production. If Europe decides to develop hydrogen and fuel cell technology as one component of developing a sustainable energy system which will alleviate environmental problems such as air pollution and climate change, it has to be done on the basis of renewable sources of energy.
NGOs do see the potential benefits of increased efficiencies that fuel cells are expected to reach and the possibility to advance the use of vehicle fuel from renewable sources with hydrogen. Together, these elements could bring about significant emission reductions in the long-term.

On the other hand, current developments in the EU and overseas have lead to concerns over the actual realisation of these benefits. These concerns are at present concentrated on the hydrogen production side, which could lead to an expansion of the use of fossil fuels rather than the move away from these energy sources needed for a truly sustainable energy system.

Hydrogen is only as green as its source. This means that only renewable sources of hydrogen can realise the long-term benefits. A priority for any strategy aiming at deploying hydrogen and fuel cells will therefore have to have the promotion of renewable energy technology as a central pillar. While some studies say that hydrogen from natural gas could still produce some climate benefits, the use of coal for this purpose will obviously lead to higher emissions. A renaissance of nuclear power in the name of hydrogen in the face is completely unacceptable for environmental organisations and the majority of EU’s citizens.

However, renewable energy is most effectively used to produce heat or electricity directly. Except in niche applications, producing hydrogen from renewables will not make sense until all our electricity and heat is already produced from renewable sources. Hydrogen alone is not the solution and it is clear that if we do nothing today to stop climate change or reduce our oil dependency and wait until a hydrogen economy is ready, the problems of climate change will be too big to solve.

 
NGO Research Activities
Carbon Technology Assessment Project (CTAP)