Comparative analysis on similarities and differences of hydrogen energy development in the World's top 4 largest economies: A novel framework

A low-carbon energy transition is permeating many industrialized countries due to the overuse of fossil fuels and the climate change. Some countries stress the hydrogen energy in optimizing their energy structures. This article examines both the markets and the policies of the hydrogen industry in the World's Top 4 largest economies. To make the comparative analysis more logical, a novel conceptual model for energy transition - the institution-economics-technology-behavior framework - has been adopted to make a multi-dimensional discussion. The results show that: (1) From the perspective of strategic intention, developing hydrogen energy is conductive to the energy transition. (2) From the horizontal comparison, each country has its own advantages, however, the main driving factors are different. (3) From the vertical comparison, the hydrogen energy development in each country is still in the stage of quantitative change, and the inflection point of qualitative change has not been reached yet. (c) 2022 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Hydrogen energy, as a low-carbon energy source, plays a crucial role in energy transition, but countries face different challenges and advantages in the development of the hydrogen industry. Currently, the development of hydrogen energy in each country is still in the stage of quantitative change, and the inflection point of qualitative change has not been reached.