Global Pathways to Hydrogen Energy Futures (GPHEF)

Introduction The often-dramatic advancements in science and technology that have characterized the outset of the 21^st 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. 

The ISGP GPHEF 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 ISGP GPHEF conference 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).