Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise heavy industry, aviation, and steel production—but significant hurdles remain. From the "chicken and egg" dilemma affecting investment decisions to bridging the cost gap with fossil-derived alternatives, the path to scale isn't simple.

IRENA's James Walker, Team Lead - Renewable Gases and Francisco Gaffaro, Team Lead - Power Sector Transformation from IRENA Innovation and Technology Center (IITC) examine the factors needed to advance green hydrogen: international trade opportunities, standardisation and certification requirements, and how regional differences in renewable resources may lead some regions to become exporters while others become importers. They explore why hydrogen isn't just a fuel but a decarbonisation enabler and share the technological developments that have them most excited.