Climate Impact of Hydrogen

In collaboration with Environmental Defence Fund (EDF), we raised awareness about the climate effects of hydrogen leakages and ways to consider these risks when deploying hydrogen projects.

status: finished

quick facts

Netherlands as the leader

The Netherlands is ambitious to be a major importer and transit port for hydrogen in Europe

Hydrogen leakages impose climate risk

Although hydrogen has a considerable potential to reduce CO2 emissions, small leakages have a negative climate impact. 

raised awareness

We developed stakeholder engagement and communication materials and organised relevant events to increase awareness in the Netherlands

problem

The Netherlands is actively developing the hydrogen economy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, the scientific community is becoming aware of the indirect greenhouse gas effects that even tiny hydrogen leakages could have on the climate. When hydrogen escapes into the atmosphere instead of being burned, it triggers a chain of reactions that generate greenhouse gases and cause methane to remain in the atmosphere longer. And that is a problem.

solution

The Sustainable Scale-up Foundation raised awareness about the potential negative climate impact of hydrogen in the Netherlands by:

  • Translating research into easily understandable messages tailored to the Dutch context

  • Helping formulate practical advice to reduce the risk of leakages

  • Initiating discussions at relevant institutes, leading to preventive action

project overview

timeline: January 2023 - June 2024

results

  • Event 'Klimaatimpact van Waterstof: Wetenschap en Handelingsperspectief"

  • Het Klimaateffect van Waterstof - de Do’s en Dont’s voor een net zero 2050

  • Waterstof als indirect broeikasgas: klein en onbelangrijk, of substantieel en iets om aan te pakken?

  • Hydrogen as an Indirect Greenhouse Gas: Minor Issue or Major Concern?