Beyond CO2: Ensuring a sustainable hydrogen ramp-up

Background

Green hydrogen is emerging as a key solution for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors and offers significant value-creation opportunities in renewable-rich countries. However, hydrogen production also comes with challenges. Potential environmental impacts are significant, particularly on land and water use. Undesirable developments pose a risk to the acceptance of hydrogen production and harbor the potential for conflict. If not properly managed, these challenges can lead to negative environmental impacts and risks for local communities and their livelihoods.

Sustainability governance can help manage these risks, guiding the hydrogen ramp-up in an environmentally and socially responsible direction. Sustainability standards and certifications can play a crucial role in this regard. Given the urgent need to scale up hydrogen production to meet climate targets, progress in developing robust yet pragmatic certification schemes are essential. These schemes should balance ambitious sustainability criteria with the practical needs of stakeholders, including local communities, finance, and industry.

Objectives & Key Discussion Points

The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) in Potsdam aims to foster dialogue and collaboration to address these challenges. This panel discussion will convene key stakeholders from the field to explore the current sustainability landscape in the hydrogen sector and draw lessons from sectors with more established governance frameworks. Key topics will include the role of sustainability certification schemes and other governance mechanisms (e.g., financing and ESG standards), lessons learned from practices in other sectors, and the challenges and opportunities in implementing sustainability standards at the project level.

Agenda

Date: 28 November 2024 – 10 am CET
Time: 10 AM – 11.30 AM (CET)
Online: Zoom link provided upon registration via the following link: https://eveeno.com/ensuringasustainablehydrogenramp-up