OIES Podcast – Measuring the carbon intensity of low carbon hydrogen

Podcasts - Oxford Institute for Energy Studies

In this latest OIES podcast from the hydrogen programme James Henderson talks to Alex Barnes about his latest paper on the importance of measuring the carbon intensity of low carbon hydrogen. The discussion focuses on the importance of being able to compare the carbon intensity of different forms of “green” energy, and specifically how hydrogen producers need to be able to demonstrate the emissions benefit which their product is bringing. Alex Barnes argues that proper comparison of low carbon hydrogen produced in different countries and using different forms of electricity requires a common methodology for measuring emissions along the value chain, and a common nomenclature based on carbon intensity to avoid the confusion over terms. Without this, low carbon hydrogen faces high regulatory risk because it is entirely dependent on government intervention – whether subsidies or targets – to support its business case. As a result, only rigorous accounting standards, backed up by flexible government support based on carbon intensity, will enable investment in low carbon hydrogen supply, infrastructure and demand where it makes the most sense – both financially and environmentally.