IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v18y2025i17p4619-d1738370.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

An International Review of Hydrogen Technology and Policy Developments, with a Focus on Wind- and Nuclear Power-Produced Hydrogen and Natural Hydrogen

Author

Listed:
  • Kathleen Araújo

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Edward Potter

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Anna Kouts

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Oliver Newman

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Max Milarvie

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Fred Carcas

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Cassie Koerner

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

  • Jacob Placido

    (Energy Policy Institute, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725-1014, USA)

Abstract

The potential for hydrogen to reshape energy systems has been recognized for over a century. Yet, as decarbonization priorities have sharpened in many regions, three distinct frontier areas are critical to consider: hydrogen produced from wind; hydrogen produced from nuclear power; and the development of natural hydrogen. These pathways reflect technology and policy changes, including a 54% increase in the globally installed wind capacity since 2020, plus new signs of potential emerging in nuclear energy and natural hydrogen. Broadly speaking, there is a considerable number of studies covering hydrogen production from electrolysis, yet none systematically examine wind- and nuclear-derived hydrogen, natural hydrogen, or the policies that enable their adoption in key countries. This article highlights international policy and technology developments, with a focus on prime movers: Germany, China, the US, and Russia.

Suggested Citation

  • Kathleen Araújo & Edward Potter & Anna Kouts & Oliver Newman & Max Milarvie & Fred Carcas & Cassie Koerner & Jacob Placido, 2025. "An International Review of Hydrogen Technology and Policy Developments, with a Focus on Wind- and Nuclear Power-Produced Hydrogen and Natural Hydrogen," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-35, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4619-:d:1738370
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/17/4619/pdf
    Download Restriction: no

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/17/4619/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Jun Huang & Xinbo Ge & Hongling Ma & Xilin Shi & Yinping Li, 2025. "The Development, Current Status and Challenges of Salt Cavern Hydrogen Storage Technology in China," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(5), pages 1-17, February.
    2. Kwamena Opoku Duartey & William Ampomah & Hamid Rahnema & Mohamed Mehana, 2025. "Underground Hydrogen Storage: Transforming Subsurface Science into Sustainable Energy Solutions," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-32, February.
    3. Qusay Hassan & Itimad D. J. Azzawi & Aws Zuhair Sameen & Hayder M. Salman, 2023. "Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Opportunities and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-26, July.
    4. McDowall, William & Eames, Malcolm, 2006. "Forecasts, scenarios, visions, backcasts and roadmaps to the hydrogen economy: A review of the hydrogen futures literature," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 34(11), pages 1236-1250, July.
    5. Marcella Calabrese & Maria Portarapillo & Alessandra Di Nardo & Virginia Venezia & Maria Turco & Giuseppina Luciani & Almerinda Di Benedetto, 2024. "Hydrogen Safety Challenges: A Comprehensive Review on Production, Storage, Transport, Utilization, and CFD-Based Consequence and Risk Assessment," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-26, March.
    6. Meng Niu & Xiangjun Li & Chen Sun & Xiaoqing Xiu & Yue Wang & Mingyue Hu & Haitao Dong, 2023. "Operation Optimization of Wind/Battery Storage/Alkaline Electrolyzer System Considering Dynamic Hydrogen Production Efficiency," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-20, August.
    7. Andreas Nascimento & Diunay Zuliani Mantegazini & Mauro Hugo Mathias & Matthias Reich & Julian David Hunt, 2025. "O&G, Geothermal Systems, and Natural Hydrogen Well Drilling: Market Analysis and Review," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-22, March.
    8. José Manuel Andújar & Francisca Segura & Jesús Rey & Francisco José Vivas, 2022. "Batteries and Hydrogen Storage: Technical Analysis and Commercial Revision to Select the Best Option," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-32, August.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Arkadiusz Małek & Andrzej Marciniak, 2025. "Operational Analysis of Power Generation from a Photovoltaic–Wind Mix and Low-Emission Hydrogen Production," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(10), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Andrew Chapman & Timothy Fraser & Melanie Dennis, 2019. "Investigating Ties between Energy Policy and Social Equity Research: A Citation Network Analysis," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 8(5), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Monasib Romel & Golam Kabir, 2025. "Prioritization of the Critical Factors of Hydrogen Transportation in Canada Using the Intuitionistic Fuzzy AHP Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-27, June.
    4. Morgan Bazilian & Patrick Nussbaumer & Hans-Holger Rogner & Abeeku Brew-Hammond & Vivien Foster & Shonali Pachauri & Eric Williams & Mark Howells & Philippe Niyongabo & Lawrence Musaba & Brian Ó Galla, 2011. "Energy Access Scenarios to 2030 for the Power Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa," Working Papers 2011.68, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    5. Mander, Sarah. L. & Bows, Alice & Anderson, Kevin. L. & Shackley, Simon & Agnolucci, Paolo & Ekins, Paul, 2008. "The Tyndall decarbonisation scenarios--Part I: Development of a backcasting methodology with stakeholder participation," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(10), pages 3754-3763, October.
    6. Carlo, Mr. Antonio & Breda, Dr. Paola, 2024. "Impact of space systems capabilities and their role as critical infrastructure," International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection, Elsevier, vol. 45(C).
    7. Roux, Charlotte & Schalbart, Patrick & Assoumou, Edi & Peuportier, Bruno, 2016. "Integrating climate change and energy mix scenarios in LCA of buildings and districts," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 184(C), pages 619-629.
    8. Gordon, Joel A. & Balta-Ozkan, Nazmiye & Nabavi, Seyed Ali, 2022. "Homes of the future: Unpacking public perceptions to power the domestic hydrogen transition," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    9. Elizabeth Gibson & Tugrul Daim & Edwin Garces & Marina Dabic, 2018. "Technology Foresight: A Bibliometric Analysis to Identify Leading and Emerging Methods," Foresight and STI Governance (Foresight-Russia till No. 3/2015), National Research University Higher School of Economics, vol. 12(1), pages 6-24.
    10. Loveday, Dennis L. & Bhamra, T. & Tang, T. & Haines, V.J.A. & Holmes, M.J. & Green, R.J., 2008. "The energy and monetary implications of the '24/7' 'always on' society," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(12), pages 4639-4645, December.
    11. Bošković, Sara & Švadlenka, Libor & Jovčić, Stefan & Simic, Vladimir & Dobrodolac, Momčilo & Elomiya, Akram, 2024. "Sustainable propulsion technology selection in penultimate mile delivery using the FullEX-AROMAN method," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 95(C).
    12. Truffer, Bernhard & Schippl, Jens & Fleischer, Torsten, 2017. "Decentering technology in technology assessment: prospects for socio-technical transitions in electric mobility in Germany," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 122(C), pages 34-48.
    13. Paul Timms & Miles Tight & David Watling, 2014. "Imagineering Mobility: Constructing Utopias for Future Urban Transport," Environment and Planning A, , vol. 46(1), pages 78-93, January.
    14. Medrano, J.A. & Potdar, I. & Melendez, J. & Spallina, V. & Pacheco-Tanaka, D.A. & van Sint Annaland, M. & Gallucci, F., 2018. "The membrane-assisted chemical looping reforming concept for efficient H2 production with inherent CO2 capture: Experimental demonstration and model validation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 215(C), pages 75-86.
    15. de Alcantara, Douglas Pedro & Martens, Mauro Luiz, 2019. "Technology Roadmapping (TRM): a systematic review of the literature focusing on models," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 127-138.
    16. Yen-Hsien Lee & Ya-Ling Huang & Chun-Yu Wu, 2013. "Conditional Jump Dynamics in the Stock Prices of Alternative Energy Companies," International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, Econjournals, vol. 3(3), pages 288-296.
    17. Jun Li & Rongrong Lv & Chunlin Gu & Yitao Liu & Jiepu Li & Xiang Li, 2023. "An Ageing Test Standards Analysis on Thermoplastic Liners of Type IV Composite Hydrogen Storage Tanks," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-14, March.
    18. Alev Taskin Gumus & A. Yesim Yayla & Erkan Çelik & Aytac Yildiz, 2013. "A Combined Fuzzy-AHP and Fuzzy-GRA Methodology for Hydrogen Energy Storage Method Selection in Turkey," Energies, MDPI, vol. 6(6), pages 1-16, June.
    19. Fan Li & Dong Liu & Ke Sun & Songheng Yang & Fangzheng Peng & Kexin Zhang & Guodong Guo & Yuan Si, 2024. "Towards a Future Hydrogen Supply Chain: A Review of Technologies and Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-36, February.
    20. Arkadiusz Małek, 2025. "Low-Emission Hydrogen for Transport—A Technology Overview from Hydrogen Production to Its Use to Power Vehicles," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-32, August.

    More about this item

    Keywords

    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;
    ;

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:17:p:4619-:d:1738370. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.