As the energy transition to a post-carbon society gathers pace, renewable energy, batteries and battery electric vehicles are rapidly diffusing while improving considerably in cost and performance. Thus, for many, hydrogen has slipped from the field of attention. Yet hydrogen and fuel-cells can play (and are already playing) an important role in accelerating the electrification and decarbonisation of transport, industry and households. This is especially so for long-range or heavy-duty vehicles, long-term and long-distance energy storage, and difficult to decarbonise sectors like steel, chemicals and heat production. With hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies rapidly developing and diffusing around the world, it is time to take stock of this situation and consider: What governance strategies are being used to accelerate the production and diffusion of hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies? How are countries or regions using hydrogen and fuel-cells to accelerate the decarbonisation of transport (e.g. road and maritime) in particular, but also industry and households? How are countries or regions using hydrogen and fuel-cells to support the upscaling of renewable energies? What trends and planning insights can build understanding into how hydrogen and fuel-cells can help accelerate the transition to a post-carbon world?
Keywords: Hydrogen; Fuel cells; Policy; Governance; Diffusion; Infrastructure; Vehicles; Transport; Decarbonization; Energy storage and transmission.