Low-emission hydrogen is seen as a growth area
IEA’s Menendez hopeful of hydrogen jump but warns economic case not made
The agency’s hydrogen expert says the fuel needs to account for 12–13pc of the global energy mix by 2050 to reach net zero, but hurdles remain
Hydrogen’s ability to play a crucial role in the energy mix is tied up with fossil fuels, at least in the near term. Low-emission hydrogen is seen as a growth area, but significant barriers remain. Hydrogen Economist interviewed the IEA’s top hydrogen expert, Jose Bermudez Menendez, on what needs to be done to unlock hydrogen’s massive potential and what areas of the energy world may remain off limits. How big a role is hydrogen likely to play in the global energy mix by 2030 and 2050? Estimates range from c.3pc to 20pc. How do you see it? Jose Bermudez Menendez, IEA hydrogen expert Menendez: Our vision of what is a feasible pathway to
Also in this section
5 December 2025
European Commission highlights rapid growth of Chinese production this year, as it retains strict procurement rules in latest European Hydrogen Bank subsidy auction
2 December 2025
Oil major cites deteriorating demand and a planning debacle as it abandons one of UK’s largest blue hydrogen projects
1 December 2025
Project at Emden in northwest Germany due online in 2027, but wider ramp-up of clean hydrogen sector in Germany will require overhaul of government policy, company warns
25 November 2025
The northwest African country’s vision of integrating green power, molecules and steel is alive and kicking, and serves as a reminder of hydrogen’s transformative potential
