The development of hydrogen: strategies and policies in Europe and Spain

Authors

  • Gonzalo Escribano UNED y Real Instituto Elcano
  • Lara Lázaro Centro de Enseñanza Superior Cardenal Cisneros y Real Instituto Elcano
  • Ignacio Urbasos Real Instituto Elcano

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/IREP.4.2.25807

Abstract

The development of hydrogen as an energy carrier has become a prominent issue in the energy and economic debate, both in Europe and globally. This interest has been reinforced by the European energy crisis caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which together with the imperative of decarbonisation has provided an important additional driver for hydrogen. This article deals with EU strategies and policies to promote hydrogen, with a focus on the Spanish case. For this purpose, it begins by outlining the economic elements of hydrogen and its different types, as well as the most important trends in its development. It then compares the main features of European hydrogen strategies, both at the national level and in terms of their international engagement model, concluding that the existing divergences constitute an obstacle to market integration and thus to market deployment. It then analyses Spanish policies for the promotion of green hydrogen, both at national and regional level, including the recent update of the Roadmap presented by the Spanish government. The article concludes that EU Member States' strategies are not entirely consistent and run the risk of fragmenting the European Union market into national markets.

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References

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Published

2022-12-29

How to Cite

Escribano, G., Lázaro, L., & Urbasos, I. (2022). The development of hydrogen: strategies and policies in Europe and Spain. International Review of Economic Policy-Revista Internacional De Política Económica, 4(2), 84–97. https://doi.org/10.7203/IREP.4.2.25807
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Issue

Vol. 4 No. 2 (2022)

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Articles

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