Net-zero focus critical for hydrogen take-off – Shell
While hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in energy systems from mid-century, Shell’s latest long-term scenarios anticipate a decade of delay if net zero is deprioritised amid deepening geopolitical tensions
Shell anticipates hydrogen could meet 12pc of final energy demand by 2070 in its most optimistic 2050 global net-zero scenario—but only 4pc in a more energy security-focused scenario. The major has published two far-reaching energy outlooks: Sky 2050, which models trends necessary to reach net zero by mid-century, and Archipelagos, which extrapolates current trends of increased geopolitical tensions and a deprioritisation of managing emissions compared with energy security. The Archipelagos scenario expects some transition toward low-carbon technologies and decreasing emissions, although net zero is never reached by 2100. The global average surface temperature also rises to and plateaus arou

Also in this section
22 July 2025
The gas-hungry sector is set for rapid growth, and oil majors and some of the world’s largest LNG firms are investing in ammonia production and export facilities, though much depends on regulatory support
16 July 2025
Major manufacturer cancels rollout of new hydrogen-powered vans and strengthens focus on battery electric and hybrid markets
16 July 2025
Oil and gas major calls for expression of interest in product from Lingen project ahead of startup in 2027
14 July 2025
Danish electrolyser manufacturer decelerates pre-FID work on planned Virginia plant despite renewed clarity over 45V tax credit