Global Programme for
Hydrogen in Industry

Hydrogen is one of the most abundant elements on Earth, and it represents to us a unique opportunity for a clean energy transition. The past years show clearly just how close to a climate catastrophe we are living. Climate change is an existential threat to a sustainable future. Facing up to the climate challenge is an opportunity to promote prosperity and a brighter future for all.Green hydrogen (GH2) and its derivatives will play a vital role in that transition. Hydrogen is classified as “green” – a clean and renewable energy carrier – when it is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable energy.GH2 is a game changer for the hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement and the chemical industry, which cannot readily be electrified. It is currently the only way we have to decarbonize these sectors.GH2 is versatile as it can be used as a combustion fuel or as feedstock for industrial processes. It can also be converted back into electricity in a fuel cell. Compared to grid renewable electricity, it can be more easily stored and transported over long distances for use further from the initial renewable energy source.Because GH2 electrolysis does not need to be near geographically concentrated or hard-to-extract resources, it can be key in establishing energy security.Derivatives of GH2, , such as green ammonia and green methanol, are long-term energy carriers. They store surplus renewable electricity produced during periods of low demand. Just like GH2, its derivatives can be used as industrial energy source, be used as green feedstock, or used as green transportation fuel.Green Hydrogen is a game changer for the hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement and the chemical industry, which cannot readily be electrified.Green hydrogen needs green energy: the transition needs a huge increase in renewable energy generation.Green ammonia is synthetically manufactured by combining nitrogen with hydrogen using renewable energy sources. Green ammonia can be applied in sustainable fertilizer production, thereby contributing to decarbonizing the food value chain, while supporting agricultural productivity and food security.We still have our work cut out for us in making the energy transition a reality. No mature GH2market exists yet. It is however encouraging that the number of countries with national hydrogen roadmaps has tripled over the last year. This shows that many countries are readying themselves to start using GH2 and planning how best to benefit from the economic opportunities it will provide.At UNIDO, we are putting together development programmes to help developing countries achieve this goal and realize the opportunities for sustainable industrialization that follow.

A HYDROGEN ECONOMY: OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIESProduced from renewable energy sources, green hydrogen (GH2), also known as renewable hydrogen, is the fuel of the future. It is clean, storable and portable, and can be blended into existing energy networks and integrated with current infrastructure. Green hydrogen and low-carbon hydrogen[1] are key to decarbonization of hard-to-abate industries such as steel production, cement, chemicals and heavy transport, which together account for 30 per cent of global CO2 emissions. In short, hydrogen can help countries around the world achieve their climate goals.

A Special Session - as part of the 8th Global Review of Aid for Trade.Watch the video here.More information here.

MARRAKESH, 22 June 2022 - Director General Gerd Müller delivered an opening address at the World PtX Summit in Marrakesh, Morocco. The World PtX Summit is organized in a joint effort between the Moroccan Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN) and the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University with the aim of creating a regional platform dedicated to green hydrogen. Speaking via a video link, Müller talked about the future of green hydrogen as a lever for the transition towards more sustainable industry.

GOA - A truly global hydrogen economy will play a key role in supporting sustainable economic growth in emerging markets and transition economies and facilitating supply diversification for importing regions while accelerating decarbonisation. As we move from strategies and announcements to implementation on the ground, UNIDO and Hydrogen Council advance close cooperation to help unlocking environmental and socio-economic benefits of renewable hydrogen and derivatives internationally.UNIDO and Hydrogen Council signed a Joint Declaration on 18 July on the side-lines of G20/CEM14 in Goa, India, reinforcing ongoing strong collaboration, in particular, on   Advancing public-private dialogue between decision-makers and CEOs in the framework of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum and support the Forum activities, including with the Hydrogen Council insights;Assessing and identifying best practices in maximizing social value of the hydrogen economy in the emerging markets and developing countries, through the SDG Roadmap for Hydrogen;Supporting the development of global standards for hydrogen, in particular, ISO standard methodology for GHG emissions assessment of hydrogen production, conditioning and transport developed by ISO TC197/SC1, as well as capacity building for developing countries to enhance their contributions to and participation in global standard development.“Low-emissions hydrogen will help drive net-zero economic development in the Global South. Cooperating with the private sector is key, and we are confident that through our partnership with the Hydrogen Council we are well equipped to respond to any challenges involved. Together we will develop tangible projects that contribute to a just energy transition leaving no country behind<" said Gerd Müller, Director General of UNIDO.“Creating in-country value and boosting green growth in prospective exporting regions in developing countries is crucial for both the industry and the importing regions seeking to diversify their supplies in hydrogen and derivatives going forward. Unlocking social value of hydrogen is integral to the organisational identities of the Hydrogen Council and UNIDO and we are excited to be moving ahead with implementation of a number of joint initiatives,” said Daryl Wilson, Executive Director of Hydrogen Council.About UNIDOThe United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate sustainable industrial development. The mandate of UNIDO is reflected in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: “Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation”, but UNIDO’s activities contribute to all the SDGs.  UNIDO's mission is to drive economic growth, reduce inequality, and address climate challenges by supporting developing countries and economies in transition in achieving sustainable industrial development and economic transformation, and to create new, decent jobs.For more information about UNIDO, please visit www.unido.org and follow us on:Twitter @UNIDO  LinkedIn Facebook Instagram  Flickr  YouTubeAbout the Hydrogen CouncilThe Hydrogen Council is a global CEO-led initiative that brings together leading companies with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the clean energy transition.The Council understands that hydrogen has a key role to play in reaching global decarbonization goals by helping to diversify energy sources worldwide, to foster business and technological innovation as drivers for long-term economic growth, and to decarbonize especially hard-to-abate industrial sectors.To find out more visit www.hydrogencouncil.com and follow us on Twitter @HydrogenCouncil and LinkedIn.Media EnquiriesFor more information, please contact UNIDO at hydrogen@unido.org and/or the Hydrogen Council at communications@hydrogencouncil.com.  

Goa, India - On July 22, 2023, during the 14th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM14) Meeting, a historic joint declaration was established by Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Germany, Japan, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, The Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay and the European Commission on behalf of the European Union. These governments have united under the CEM’s flag with one aim: to accelerate international hydrogen trade. This significant milestone was marked by the launch of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF), which will provide a unique platform to foster the dialogue between a wide group of governments on the nascent international hydrogen market.The governments acknowledge the pressing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the challenges of climate change, aligning their efforts with the Paris Agreement. They recognize the vital role that hydrogen will play in shaping the global energy mix and building resilient economies. Furthermore, the governments understand the potential it has in diverse applications to achieve decarbonization, such as heavy transport, industry, power generation, aviation and shipping.Emphasizing the importance of establishing international hydrogen supply chains, also known as “trade corridors,” the governments aim to transport substantial volumes of clean energy from regions with abundant renewable resources and geological CO2 storage potential to areas with limited access. To meet the increasing global demand, they highlight the necessity of accelerating investments across the entire hydrogen value chain.The joint declaration underscores the significance of non-discriminatory market access and participation in international hydrogen trade in the emerging hydrogen market. Global cooperation and coordination are identified as critical elements to share valuable knowledge, experiences, best practices, and promote research, innovation, and demonstration. It is also crucial that any measures taken in the realm of international hydrogen trade conform to the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO).In pursuit of these objectives, the governments express their collective determination to establish the International Hydrogen Trade Forum as an inter-governmental forum, facilitating collaboration between potential future hydrogen importing and exporting countries, as well as synchronising priority actions of decision-makers and industrial leaders through public-private action plans. The Forum, therefore, aims to accelerate international hydrogen trade, reduce barriers, and foster productive market conditions.Additionally, the governments commit to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals by encouraging policies and regulations that promote the production, consumption, and trans-border trade of hydrogen as a reliable, clean, and vital solution within the global energy system. They will work on developing and implementing policies to mitigate potential negative impacts associated with the production of hydrogen solely for export.The exchange of knowledge and expertise related to infrastructure development necessary for hydrogen trade among the forum’s member governments will be encouraged. Furthermore, the forum will facilitate the dialogue between hydrogen producers and consumers, building upon existing studies and the work of other relevant organizations, with the aim of recommending necessary political actions.“The UAE is delighted to co-chair the IHTF with the Netherlands, creating a coalition of first-mover governments committed to fostering global trade in hydrogen and derivatives through international cooperation and public-private action. The mission of the IHTF is well-aligned with our National Hydrogen Strategy and the key priorities for COP28 Presidency, including unlocking cross-border hydrogen trade corridors and identifying priority actions for governments and industry to advance from announcements to implementation on the ground,” said H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, United Arab Emirates.Minister of Climate and Energy Policy, Mr. Rob Jetten from the Netherlands stated “Effective cooperation between governments and companies is essential to get the trade corridors up and running. It is an honor to be initiating this forum together with the United Arab Emirates providing a platform for such an important dialogue between future hydrogen exporting and importing countries. We look very much forward to working in close collaboration with the government members of the forum and expanding to other members that want to participate in this discussion.”UNIDO will act as coordinator of the forum to help unlock the socio-economic and environmental value of international hydrogen trade for a Just Transition, as per UNIDO’s Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry. In its role as coordinator, UNIDO will facilitate the cooperation among the government members, industrial leaders and bring in the perspective and considerations of developing countries and transition economies in line with its mandate. “UNIDO’s commitment to the International Hydrogen Trade Forum aligns well with the objectives of its Global Program for Hydrogen Industry. We see a fitting role for UNIDO to help bridge the gap between countries within the CEM community and those who are not part of the CEM yet”, stated the DG Müller of UNIDO.To maximize efficiency and avoid duplication of efforts, the forum’s members will collaborate with existing complementary organizations such as the World Trade Organisation, Mission Innovation, G20, Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation, International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy (IPHE) and the Hydrogen Council. By doing so, they will add value and minimize redundant initiatives in the pursuit of their shared goals.“Industrial leaders in hydrogen welcome the establishment of the IHTF as a platform for international cooperation on the development of a global market for hydrogen and derivatives. This new platform will help to further facilitate the public-privative dialogue. Hydrogen Council is pleased to collaborate with IHTF on the road to COP28 and beyond to address key challenges and jointly create solutions for unlocking trade corridors for hydrogen and derivatives. Our common goal is to accelerate decarbonisation while supporting just transition” said Hydrogen Council Co-Chairs Yoshinori Kanehana, Chairman of the Board, Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., and Sanjiv Lamba, CEO, Linde.The co-leads of the CEM Hydrogen Initiative (CEM-H2I), namely Canada, the European Commission, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States, enthusiastically welcome the establishment of the International Hydrogen Trade Forum as part of the collaborative activities within the framework of the CEM-H2I.The joint declaration was signed by the launching co-leads, the Netherlands and the United Arab Emirates, during the Clean Energy Ministerial Meeting in Goa, India on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 15:00 IST.For media inquiries, please contact:Magde NIKOLOVSKA-JILKEProject Assistant - Climate and Technology Partnership Division · UNIDOM.NIKOLOVSKA-JILKE@unido.org