Pulling together experts on hydrogen from 12 institutions throughout Europe, a new research project funded by the European Union sets out to provide an understanding of the climate and environmental risks and co-benefits of a hydrogen economy – and to advise on options for addressing those risks.

“Hydrogen is expected to play a significant role in the shift towards a net zero emissions society, by replacing fossil fuels. However, there are important knowledge gaps about the benefits of a hydrogen economy and the climate effects of hydrogen leakages that need to be filled”, says Dr. Maria Sand, senior scientist at CICERO Centre for International Climate Research and coordinator of the new research project HYway.

The 4-year long HYway project, funded under the Horizon Europe programme, was launched this week in Oslo.

According to the European Commission’s A hydrogen strategy for a climate-neutral Europe” (2020), hydrogen is “essential to support the EU’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 and for the global effort to implement the Paris Agreement while working towards zero pollution”.

Yet, its climate impacts are less understood compared to some of the main greenhouse gases. While not a greenhouse gas itself, hydrogen can cause global warming through its effect in the atmosphere on other greenhouse gases.

To quantify the climate effect of hydrogen, the HYway project will develop new methodologies using a large number of models and measurements. To quantify hydrogen leakages new measurement and monitoring tools will be established.

“As hydrogen is a costly and a valuable resource, it is crucial to understand how hydrogen can be utilized for achieving the highest reduction in fossil fuel emissions.” says Dr. Gunnar Myhre, project co-lead.

“The HYway project will provide critical information to policymakers and stakeholders, allowing them to make informed decisions about the role of hydrogen in the transition to a low-carbon economy”, Dr. Maria Sand continues.

HYway includes research partners from Norway, France, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus and the UK. Furthermore, a large advisory board of industry partners will assist in estimating hydrogen leakage rates and in establishing realistic scenarios for a future hydrogen economy.