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Online Event Series

Beyond CO2: Ensuring a sustainable hydrogen ramp-up

28.11.2024
Uhrzeit:

Introduction

This event is part of an online series organized by the Research Institute for Sustainability as part of the project "Geopolitics of the Energy Transformation: Sustainability Governance in the Hydrogen Sector". Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, the project examines how sustainability—beyond CO2 considerations—is incorporated into governance mechanisms worldwide. By integrating diverse perspectives from various countries, it aims to enhance understanding of the global hydrogen landscape.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, the online series will bring together stakeholders from diverse sectors, including standards organizations, certification bodies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, research institutions, policy think tanks, private enterprises, and hydrogen project developers. The goal is to create a platform for exchanging insights, building partnerships, and fostering collective learning to support the development of hydrogen as a truly sustainable energy carrier.

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

10:00 AM 

Welcome by Hans Koeppel from German Federal Foreign Office

10:05 AM 

Presentation by Maximilian Rischer, Research Associate at RIFS - “Managing Environmental and Social Challenges: An Overview of Sustainability Governance Approaches in the Hydrogen Sector”

10:20 AM 

Panel Discussion moderated by Prof. Dr. Rainer Quitzow (RIFS) with:

  • Frederico Blanco, Roundtable on Sustainable Biomaterials (RSB)
  • Hemant Mallya, Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW), India
  • Margaret Mutschler, CWP Global & Namibian Green Hydrogen Association
  • Sam Bartlett, The Green Hydrogen Organisation
  • Mascha Kuzay, PtX Hub Germany

Followed by an open discussion with the audience.

11:30 AM 

End

 

 

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

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