Beyond the Hype: The Rainbow of Hydrogen Technologies and Policies

Christopher R. Knittel and Jiwoo Oh

January 2025

The transition towards a sustainable energy system requires alternative energy carriers that reduce carbon emissions while meeting global demands. Hydrogen is a possible option for industrial heat, transportation fuels, and electricity production. This paper provides an overview of hydrogen production pathways, including gray, blue, turquoise, green, pink, and gold/white hydrogen, evaluating their economic and environmental impacts. It also discusses current and potential US policies promoting hydrogen, such as the IRA 45V Hydrogen Tax Credit and the Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Hubs initiative. Based on several interviews with experts in the field, the paper discusses several policy issues that need to be addressed and require additional research.

Keywords: Hydrogen Economy, Alternative Energy Carriers, Industrial Heat, Hydrogen Production Pathways.

JEL Codes: Q45; Q55; L52