Navigating the hydrogen landscape: An analysis of hydrogen support mechanisms in the US and the EU

Abstract

Whilst hydrogen as a substance is not new, the recent surge in interest around hydrogen is prompting new regulatory frameworks and hydrogen strategies to support the uptake of the hydrogen economy. The potential of hydrogen to facilitate the decarbonisation of especially hard-to-abate sectors is immense, and various jurisdictions are actively creating regulatory frameworks for hydrogen investments, particularly in their green, clean or low-carbon forms. This is crucial because hydrogen's environmental impact depends on its production methods. This article explores the United States (US) and the European Union (EU) approaches in implementing measures to support the uptake of hydrogen market. More specifically, it seeks to identify the main similarities and differences of the forerunner jurisdictions' adopted policies. The article focusses on the recent measures proposed or adopted by both jurisdictions, suggesting that their leading positions are becoming more aligned.