Hydrogen Valleys: a catalyst for advancing the global hydrogen value chain

The global shift towards decarbonisation and sustainable energy systems has sparked a growing interest in the development of a hydrogen-based economy. This paper explores the concept of 'hydrogen (H2) valleys' as focal points for the accelerated production, distribution and utilisation of H2. It presents technical and economic analyses of the development of H2 valleys, highlighting the wide range of international initiatives and support mechanisms provided by countries around the world to promote the adoption of H2 technologies. This study analyses and elaborates data available from and other technical reports in the literature for 5 geographical areas/countries, representative of the policy approaches adopted to support H2 valleys (hubs or clusters). Financing mechanisms, role of public and private sectors and general characteristics of H2 valleys are described and discussed.