Decarbonisation of Global Economies; Is Net Zero Emission Achievable? The Case for Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technology for Innovative Futures

Abstract

The Net Zero Emission goal by 2050 as per the Paris Agreement limits the global temperature rise to 1.5°C which requires the decarbonisation of the energy sectors. This article evaluates one of the key technologies, the fuel cells that can abate the global emissions of the highest emitting sectors, the transport and power industry. The article compares the fuel cells to incumbent technologies in terms of cost competitiveness, maturity, infrastructure availability, economic barriers in deployment at scale and the public policies for decarbonisation. The global energy demand is expected to increase almost 50% by 2050. If the emissions remain unabated the levels are expected to be doubled when compared to preindustrial levels, and a 35% increase to present emission levels which would result in an increase in global temp of 4.5°C–5.7°C.