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Hydrogen Breakthrough

Hydrogen production from fossil fuels is responsible for 830 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, with 89% of global CO2 emissions coming from fossil fuels and industry. The production of clean hydrogen is not yet at an affordable scale, though projections suggest that, if international roll-out were coordinated, it could be up to 45% cheaper in 2030, and up to 75% by 2050. The Glasgow Breakthrough on Hydrogen is designed to create the international collaboration that will make such affordability scenarios a reality, delivering a clean energy transition that could create up to 99,000 jobs in the sector. Breakthrough: to make affordable renewable and low carbon hydrogen globally available by 2030.

Activity period 2023–present
Last CoAct update 2025
Web URL https://breakthroughagenda.org/hydrogen-initiatives/
Output effectiveness
0.44
Accountability Index
0.58
Inclusiveness Index
0.59
Capacity Index
0.52
Num. actors 71
Functions Knowledge production, Knowledge dissemination, Technical implementation, Institutional capacity building, Standards and norms, Campaigning, Participatory management, Funding, Policy planning
SDGs 7 8 9 11 13 17
Themes transport, energy
Policy focus Mainly mitigation
Sectors Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, Accomodation and food service activities
Implementation countries Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cambodia, Canada, Chile, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Holy See (the), India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kzakhstan, Kenya, Korea (the Republic of), Lithuania, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Nothern Ireland (the), United States of America (the)
Target Target type
Reduce the emissions intensity of hydrogen production by nearly 50% by 2030, resulting in a 10% reduction in total emissions from hydrogen production Emission reduction target
Increase renewable and low-carbon hydrogen production to between 70-125 million tonnes per year by 2030 Renewable energy target
Develop and harmonize standards and certification for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen to facilitate global trade and adoption Other target