GPHEF - Island Community Priorities (ICP)

Introduction: The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21st century are now important tools in confronting the transformational challenges posed by (i) changes in lifestyles caused by climate transformations, (ii) rapid evolutions of global energy systems, and (iii) impacts on human health caused by pandemic infectious diseases. These dynamic, disruptive challenges, among others, are reshaping geopolitical, security, and economic systems worldwide. Addressing these complex, interconnected, real-world challenges relies on the functioning of a reliable, stable energy system that encompasses environmentally compatible demands shaping our turbulent times. An accurate, critical evaluation of hydrogen energy is now essential.

Designed by the ISGP in consultation with global leadership, the ISGP-GPHEF program focuses on specific hydrogen energy issues consistent with the diverse priorities of private sector, government, and public (writ large) stakeholders. The initial effort in 2021 to 2023 focuses on the Asia-Pacific arena, with specific guidance from U.S., Australian, and Japanese leadership. Implementations of hydrogen energy, adjusted to existing geographical, economic, political, and cultural conditions, are already underway globally based on specific technological and economic approaches compatible with local perspectives and priorities. The information and experiences from these early-stage efforts can inform and guide decisions concerning how to employ hydrogen energy under many different local, regional, and national conditions.

ISGP-GPHEF Program: The program is designed to conduct this critical evaluation by engaging a wide range of stakeholders who are implementing different aspects of the hydrogen economy in multiple, integrated, in-person conferences. These invitation-only conferences, conducted under the Chatham House Rule (no attribution), use the unusual, if not unique, debate/caucus format pioneered by the ISGP to promote candid, productive debates and caucuses to identify areas of consensus (AoC), evidence-based options (EBO), and actionable next steps (ANS) focused on supporting real-world decisions. Effectively introducing a new global energy source (e.g., hydrogen) on the global stage depends on accurate analysis, critical debate, and comprehensive decision-making encompassing (i) emerging technology, (ii) real-world scalability, (iii) practical economic planning, and (iv) integrated policy options supporting realistic outcomes, all elements within the ISGP-GPHEF program structure. It is anticipated that the first ISGP-GPHEF conference will be convened in the spring of 2022.

The agenda remains open, but interviews and consultations have identified some topics as priorities in Emerging Technology (e.g., environmental compatibility of hydrogen production; carbon capture, storage, and utilization; technology for hydrogen production, storage and distribution; supply chain logistics of hydrogen production, storage, and distribution), Economics (e.g., global practices and projections within a fossil fuel-dominated economy; scalability and practicality of local production vs. importation; competitive costs and market issues related to hydrogen energy; life-cycle analysis), and Policy (e.g., economic, trading, and taxation policies impacting the adoption of hydrogen energy; societal acceptance impacting hydrogen energy adoption; policy frameworks for the future of the international hydrogen energy system).

Key Participants: The ISGP-GPHEF agenda rests on credible scientific understanding and evidence-based technological options garnered from hundreds of confidential interviews of internationally recognized subject-matter experts, private sector stakeholders, senior governmental leaders, and public advocates. While an Informal Advisory Panel (IAP) and Global Advisory Panel (GAP) is routinely consulted, the ISGP remains responsible for all ISGP-GPHEF conference invitations.

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Informal Advisory Panel

Co-Chairs:
Dr. George Atkinson, Founder and Executive Director, Institute on Science for Global Policy (ISGP); former Science and Technology Adviser (STAS) to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice

Mr. Mitch Ewan, Hydrogen Systems Program Manager, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI); former Co-Chair, United States National Hydrogen Association; former Commander, Royal Canadian Navy; former Vice President, Energy Partners

Members:
Ms. Celeste Connors, CEO and Executive Director, Hawai’i Green Growth; former Director for Environment and Climate Change, U.S. National Security Council; former Foreign Service Officer, U.S. Department of State

Mr. Fred Downey, former Vice President of National Security at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA); former Senior Counselor to Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman

Mr. Tyson Eckerle, Deputy Director, Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV), California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz); former Executive Director, Energy Independence Now; former Environmental Manager, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Admiral (Ret.) Tom Fargo, Chairman, Hawaiian Electric Industries; former Commander, U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii; Recipient of the Medal of Distinguished Service four times, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit Medals three times, and the title honorary Officer of the Order Australia

Col. (Ret.) David H. Molinaro, Director, Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies (HCATT); former Director of Staff, Hawaii Air National Guard; former Aircraft Maintenance Inspector, Inspector General, Headquarters Pacific Air Force

Dr. David Moran, President of Technology International Partnerships, LLC; former President of the National Technology Transfer Center; former Director of Industrial Advanced Development & Industrial Outreach, Advanced Technology, Office of Naval Research

Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Stan Osserman, Host of “Stan the Energy Man” on “Think Tech Hawaii”, a program that focuses on clean energy in Hawaii; former Director, Hawaii Center for Advanced Transportation Technologies; former Commander of the Hawaii Air National Guard

Mr. Vincent Paul Ponthieux, Director and Chief Technology Officer, Blue Planet Research; President at Environment Monitoring and Control Center (EMC2) Technologies, LLC; Designer of the HISEAS Mars Habitat located on Mauna Loa

Dr. Rick Rocheleau, Director, Program Management, Hawaii Natural Energy Institute (HNEI); Graduate Faculty, University of Hawaii Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering; former Manager, Institute of Energy Conversion, Reactor Design and Analysis Group at the University of Delaware

Ms. Janice Lin, Founder and CEO, Strategen; Founder and President, Green Hydrogen Coalition; Co-Founder and Chairperson, Energy Storage North America

Dr. Bryan Willson, Executive Director, Colorado State University Energy Institute; holder of the Bryan Willson Presidential Chair for Energy Innovation; Professor of Mechanical Engineering; former Director, ARPA-E

Policy Position papers