Abstract

As the consequences of climate change become increasingly visible, the question of emissions’ reduction becomes crucial in many industries. While some sectors such as heating and small vehicles are turning to electrification, sectors such as heavy industry and long-distance transportation face challenges when it comes to abating emissions. Currently dominated by crude oil, these sectors are unable to electrify. However, there is one highly promising solution that could replace crude oil in virtually all applications: use of hydrogen. Hydrogen represents a versatile energy carrier that can use clean and sustainable energy, thus contributing to the reduction of emissions in hard-to-abate sectors. This study aims to evaluate the future of hydrogen and its potential to replace crude oil. It introduces hydrogen and reviews research along seven dimensions on its future development. In this meta-analysis, the study informs stakeholders on areas of consensus on which to reliably base decisions. Simultaneously, it highlights where research still needs to clarify crucial answers to open questions in this highly important transition phase away from crude oil. With an improved overview on the current state of the transition phase of hydrogen, the article concludes with a summary of measures to actively shape the future of hydrogen and potentially contribute to its widespread adoption.