The role of hydrogen in accelerating the just transition towards decarbonisation

Hydrogen has emerged as the new energy vector to achieve decarbonisation goals. For a time, hydrogen was considered the best option for difficult-to-abate emissions, thus being applicable only in very specific uses. However, many countries are now promoting the widespread use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Hydrogen has become a pillar of industrial policies in countries such as Japan and Spain, with expectations of developing and consolidating new business models that promote large-scale investments in capacity building for the production, transportation and utilisation of hydrogen. This includes investments in hydrogen production, hydrogen refuelling stations, storage facilities and pipeline networks. The integration of hydrogen into current energy systems and its use in power generation, industrial processes and transport is anticipated to drive significant economic growth and job creation. Furthermore, the development of hydrogen hubs, where diverse applications are concentrated, is expected to generate synergies and efficiencies that increase the viability and competitiveness of hydrogen as a pillar of a clean energy-based future.

This has raised questions about the impact of these programs and the need for policies that guide the sustainable use of hydrogen to promote a just energy transition. The seminar includes presentations from a variety of perspectives with the aim of generating ideas for future research and collaborations.

Agenda

14:00 – 14:05 Welcome words
Prof. Hironori Kato (University of Tokyo)

14:05 – 14:20 Contextualizing the hydrogen agenda in Japan and Spain
Dr. Daniel del Barrio Alvarez (University of Tokyo)

14:20 – 15:00 Industry Outlook
Ms. Chikako Nakayama (Iberdrola)

15:00 – 15:40 A 'fair' hydrogen economy: implications for energy justice
Prof. Benjamin McLellan (Kyoto University)

15:40 – 16:20 Hydrogen technologies and applications
Prof. Antonio Atienza-Márquez (University of Malaga)

16:20 – 17:00 Open discussion

Sponsors

This event is supported by JSPS KAKENHI, Grant Number 24K20970.