IEA’s Menendez hopeful of hydrogen jump but warns economic case not made

The agency’s hydrogen expert says the fuel needs to account for 12–13pc of the global energy mix by 2050 to reach net zero, but hurdles remain

Hydrogen’s ability to play a crucial role in the energy mix is tied up with fossil fuels, at least in the near term. Low-emission hydrogen is seen as a growth area, but significant barriers remain. Hydrogen Economist interviewed the IEA’s top hydrogen expert, Jose Bermudez Menendez, on what needs to be done to unlock hydrogen’s massive potential and what areas of the energy world may remain off limits. How big a role is hydrogen likely to play in the global energy mix by 2030 and 2050? Estimates range from c.3pc to 20pc. How do you see it? Jose Bermudez Menendez, IEA hydrogen expert Menendez: Our vision of what is a feasible pathway to