Don’t fall for the hydrogen hype

The document critiques the promotion of hydrogen as a clean energy alternative, asserting that the vast majority of global production relies on fossil fuels. It categorizes different 'colors' of hydrogen, arguing that grey, blue, black/brown, and turquoise versions perpetuate fossil fuel dependency, while green hydrogen is inefficient and risks replicating neocolonial extractivism. The paper highlights the high water and energy requirements of electrolysis and the unproven nature of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). It concludes that hydrogen serves as a distraction from deep systemic change and recommends a coordinated phase-out of fossil fuels and a transition to community-owned renewable energy.

• The vast majority of global hydrogen production is derived from fossil fuels, with only a tiny fraction coming from renewable sources. Specifically, over 62% is derived from fossil gas, 21% from coal and lignite, 16% as a refinery by-product, and 0.5% from oil, while only 0.1% is produced via water electrolysis.
• Blue hydrogen, which combines fossil gas production with Carbon Capture (Utilisation) and Storage (CCS/CCUS), is described as a risky 'techno-fix'. The document claims CCS is an unproven and costly process and that the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen may actually exceed that of coal due to methane leakage and the power demands of CCS.
• Green hydrogen is criticized for its high inefficiency and potential to perpetuate neocolonial extractivism. It requires vast amounts of renewable electricity and water—approximately 9,000 litres of water to produce 1 ton of hydrogen—which may lead to water scarcity and land grabs in the Global South to meet the energy needs of the Global North.
• The fossil fuel industry uses the 'hydrogen hype' to justify continued investment in gas infrastructure. In Europe, legislation allows public funds for fossil gas infrastructure if it is 'hydrogen ready', and in the US, $21 billion in tax incentives and direct spending has been allocated for hydrogen.
• Hydrogen production and transport are financially costly and volatile. Fossil-based hydrogen is subject to market swings, such as in 2021 when gas price spikes tripled production costs. Green hydrogen is not cost-competitive due to infrastructure and transportation costs, particularly when produced in Africa for use in Europe.
• The document identifies specific human rights and environmental violations linked to hydrogen projects, including the forced eviction of ancient tribes for the Neom megacity in Saudi Arabia and the potential impact on fishing grounds and the Nama people's land in Boegoebaai, South Africa.

APA

Masson, L., Shaw, S., Booth, T., & Race, M. (2023). Don’t fall for the hydrogen hype. Friends of the Earth International. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoEI_Hydrogen.pdf

Chicago

Masson, Lise, Sara Shaw, Tyler Booth, and Madeleine Race. Don’t fall for the hydrogen hype. Friends of the Earth International, 2023. https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoEI_Hydrogen.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Masson |first1=Lise |last2=Shaw |first2=Sara |last3=Booth |first3=Tyler |last4=Race |first4=Madeleine |title=Don’t fall for the hydrogen hype |publisher=Friends of the Earth International |date=November 2023 |url=https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoEI_Hydrogen.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{masson2023dont, author = {Masson, Lise and Shaw, Sara and Booth, Tyler and Race, Madeleine}, title = {{Don’t fall for the hydrogen hype}}, publisher = {Friends of the Earth International}, year = {2023}, month = nov, url = {https://www.foei.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/FoEI_Hydrogen.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }