Hydrogen Council Chief Warns: Demand Is Our Next Biggest Test
The global hydrogen sector is at a historic turning point. With $110 billion already invested and more than 500 projects moving forward, the focus is increasingly on one critical element: demand. As Ivana Yemelkova, executive director of the Hydrogen Council, emphasizes, the world needs to ensure a real sales market and make scalable investments in clean energy. This dynamic and fast-growing industry faces the challenge of translating political promises into concrete commercial demand, especially ahead of the upcoming COP30 conference.
The Road to Clean Energy: Translating Political Ambition into Industrial Demand
After last year’s COP29 in the Caucasus, Yemelkova says that countries need to take faster steps to advance the use of hydrogen. While Asian and US markets have already taken significant steps in developing support schemes, Europe needs to step up its efforts. As a metaphor, Yemelkova mentions that a powerful factory has been built, but there is a lack of buyers for its products. It is this lack of consumption that can inhibit the full potential of the industry. She emphasizes that success is not guaranteed only by the efforts and investments of companies; active action by governments is needed to create markets and promote the adaptation of hydrogen as a clean energy source.
“The real test is demand,” says Yemelkova, emphasizing that “governments must provide.”
This means not only support mechanisms, but also clear regulation, strategic planning and possibly public procurement policies favoring hydrogen technologies. Without these measures, there is a risk that impressive investments and ambitious projects could go untapped, creating disappointment and delaying the transition to a more sustainable energy future. This moment is essential to maintain momentum and ensure that hydrogen does indeed play a significant role in the global decarbonisation path.
Clean Energy for the future
Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources, is considered one of the main tools in the fight against climate change. It could replace fossil fuels in hard-to-decarbonize sectors such as heavy industry, the transport sector (especially heavy munitions and aviation) and even heating systems. However, these potential benefits can only be realized if there is stable and predictable demand from these industries. Without clear market signals and guarantees, investors and companies may hesitate to make the necessary long-term investments needed to bring hydrogen production and infrastructure capacity to scale.
This is a moment that requires commitment and cooperation at all levels, from international organizations and governments to industry leaders and researchers. Just as the production of a car requires fuel, the full functioning of new hydrogen technologies requires stabilized demand. The Hydrogen Council’s warning is a wake-up call, urging us all to address this critical issue and work together to move the clean energy revolution forward.
