In the spotlight of COP28’s energy and industry day, Bellona applauds the ambitious aim to triple renewables by 2030, translating to a substantial 11,000 GW of installed capacity. However, achieving this RES target will be difficult if the aim is to also double hydrogen production to 180 Mt yearly by 2030, thereby causing significant additional demand for renewable electricity. The success of this hydrogen initiative hinges on ensuring that renewable electricity for this purpose is additional to the necessary resources to decarbonise current and future direct electricity demand. Carefully balancing these objectives is pivotal for a sustainable energy transition.  

If utilising abated fossil-based hydrogen (blue hydrogen) to meet the ambitious 180 Mt/year goal, Bellona underscores the importance of enforcing strict global standards that drastically reduce methane emissions and ensure over 95% capture rates are non-negotiable. 

Direct electrification is often a more efficient avenue and therefore, balancing hydrogen expansion with renewable goals is key for achieving an effective and affordable the energy transition  

Read our Press Release here:

• PR_3xRES, 2xEE (pdf)