El papel del hidrógeno en la transición energética. Algunas certezas y muchas incertidumbres

The Role of Hydrogen in the Energy Transition: Some Certainties and Many Uncertainties, organized by the Circular Economy and Sustainability Observatory Renewable hydrogen is not a primary energy source, but rather an energy carrier whose value depends on its use within the energy transition. Its role will be relevant, but limited and strategic: especially in sectors where direct electrification is complex, such as certain industrial processes, ammonia production, some synthetic fuels, and some heavy transport. In other areas, such as general mobility or backup power for the electrical grid, its viability continues to raise both technical and economic questions. Despite strong political impetus in Europe and Spain—with initiatives such as energy plans, corridors, and industrial projects—current production and infrastructure expectations clearly exceed existing demand. The development of renewable hydrogen also faces significant challenges: high costs, the need for substantial additional renewable energy capacity, technological dependence on key equipment such as electrolyzers, and difficulties in storage and transport. Added to this is the risk of advancing investments without a sufficiently consolidated market. In short, renewable hydrogen will be a useful tool for decarbonization, but not a universal or immediate solution. Its deployment will be gradual and must be based on real demand, efficiency, and prioritization over more direct alternatives such as electrification. Presentation: Juan Luis Martínez Merino. Economist. PhD in Economics and Professor of Applied Economics at UNED (National University of Distance Education) Speaker: Rafael Moliner Álvarez. PhD in Sciences from the University of Zaragoza