Harvard study models hydrogen for China

China is the world’s largest producer of iron, steel, cement, and building materials, categorised as hard-to-abate (HTA) sectors when it comes to decarbonisation. Hydrogen could play a key role in delivering the high temperature and chemical feedstocks these sectors require, as well as helping decarbonise HTA transport sectors such as shipping and haulage.

The study, carried out by the Harvard-China Project on Energy, Economy and Environment, used an integrated modelling approach to evaluate the potential use of clean hydrogen across China’s energy system and economy, in order to meet the country’s 2060 net-zero target. Modelling both supply and demand across all HTA sectors, the research found that a widespread application of clean hydrogen could help China achieve carbon neutrality cost-effectively compared to a scenario without clean hydrogen production and use. Clean hydrogen could save $1.72 trillion in investment costs and avoid a 0.13% loss in China’s aggregate GDP (2020-2060) compared to a pathway without it. The work is published in Nature Energy.