Hydrogen Fuel in the U.S.: Promise and Practicality

Hydrogen is often hailed as the fuel of the future, and in the U.S., it’s beginning to gain traction—especially in sectors like heavy industry, long-haul transport, and power generation. When produced using renewable electricity (green hydrogen), it emits no carbon dioxide at the point of use.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot initiative aims to reduce the cost of clean hydrogen to $1 per kilogram by 2031. This would make it competitive with fossil fuels and unlock its potential across multiple sectors.

Hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to power trucks, trains, and ships, or as a feedstock in refining and chemical production. It’s also being explored as a long-duration energy storage solution to complement intermittent renewables like wind and solar.

However, challenges include high production costs, limited infrastructure, and the need for large-scale renewable electricity. Most hydrogen today is still “gray,” produced from natural gas without carbon capture.

To realize hydrogen’s potential, the U.S. must invest in electrolyzer technology, build hydrogen hubs, and create clear regulatory frameworks. If successful, hydrogen could become a cornerstone of America’s clean energy future.