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International trade and green hydrogen:
Supporting the global transition to a low-carbon economy
Hydrogen produced exclusively from renewable energy — known as green hydrogen — is rapidly gaining importance in supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy. Jointly produced by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the WTO, this publication explores how trade policies can support the development of green hydrogen markets and play a significant role in matching supply and demand for green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Green hydrogen is widely recognised as a key pillar in replacing fossil fuels and decarbonizing sectors that cannot easily be electrified, such as some industrial processes, shipping and aviation. It could therefore play a key role in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement by mid-century, helping to limit the increase in the global average temperature to 1.5°C and to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
This publication highlights how lowering tariffs on key products, building reliable infrastructure, realigning domestic support programmes and developing green government procurement can foster the development of green hydrogen supply chains and the transition to a low-carbon economy. The challenges and opportunities for developing economies offered by green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as green methanol and green ammonia, are addressed, as are the need for international cooperation and for the alignment of regulatory frameworks to encourage technology development, enhanced transparency and market growth.
Co-published with IRENA in 2023.
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