United States and China Lead the G20 in Hydrogen Economy, University of Sheffield Study Finds
- Madina Turaeva
- Feb 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 4
A new study from the University of Sheffield has revealed that the United States and China have the most advanced hydrogen economies among G20 nations. The research, published in the journal Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, assessed hydrogen legislation, investment, and strategies across the G20, identifying key indicators of progress in establishing a hydrogen-based energy sector.
The study found significant disparities in hydrogen policies across the G20. While the US and China lead in all aspects of hydrogen development, they are followed by the UK, the European Union, and Canada. Conversely, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Turkey were found to have the least developed hydrogen economies. Nations such as South Korea, Russia, and India are categorized as having intermediate progress.
Interestingly, the research identified gaps in certain nations' hydrogen strategies. For example, Japan was found to be advanced in planning but lagging in investment and standardization. A similar pattern was observed in Brazil, South Africa, Russia, Argentina, and India.
A major finding of the study was the inconsistency in hydrogen standards across the G20. Only China, the US, and the UK have published updated hydrogen standards. While some nations, including Argentina, Italy, and France, have developed their own national guidelines, others, such as Brazil, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Turkey, lack any formal hydrogen standards.
In response to these findings, University of Sheffield researchers are calling for the G20 to establish an internationally recognized hydrogen standard to accelerate the global transition to low-carbon hydrogen fuels.
Professor Lenny Koh, Director of the Advanced Resource Efficiency Centre and Co-head of the Energy Institute at the University of Sheffield, emphasized the urgency of standardized hydrogen regulations: “Hydrogen fuels are key to transitioning away from fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions. However, our research shows that progress varies significantly across the G20. While some countries are making great strides, others are lagging, which could slow the overall transition. A crucial step would be for the G20 to create internationally recognized hydrogen standards. This should begin with a clear definition of hydrogen and standardized emission thresholds to reduce confusion among stakeholders involved in building hydrogen economies.”
Dr. Moein Shamoushaki, Research Associate at the University of Sheffield’s Management School, highlighted the importance of using these findings to shape future investments: “Our assessment can help G20 nations identify gaps in their hydrogen economy and inform future investments and policies. Targeted investment is crucial in making hydrogen legislation effective and ensuring a unified approach to hydrogen development.”
As the world looks for sustainable energy solutions, hydrogen is seen as a key element in reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The study’s findings and recommendations could play a crucial role in guiding G20 nations toward a more coordinated and effective hydrogen economy.
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