(Washington DC) – Global demand for hydrogen is currently around 70 million tons per year. Ten million tons are in demand in the USA alone. By 2050, however, hydrogen demand in the USA will increase two to four times to 20 million to 40 million tons, depending on the scenario. The US Department of Energy (DOE) predicts this in a “Hydrogen Program Plan” that has now been presented. The paper aims to provide a strategic framework for research, development and demonstration projects (RD&D).
Green hydrogen is not a priority
Numerous authorities and departments were involved in the development, including experts in energy efficiency, fossil, nuclear and renewable energies, as well as various research institutions. So it's not a plan that explicitly favors green hydrogen.
Rather, the aim is to advance the production, transport, storage and use of hydrogen in various economic sectors. The DOE therefore funds research into the short, medium and long-term development of technology from various domestic energy sources for the purpose of commercialization.
Goal: Production for two dollars per kilogram
The main goals include a production price of two dollars per kilogram of hydrogen as well as two dollars per kilogram for delivery and transport costs. In addition, the system costs for mobile fuel cells for heavy trucks are to be reduced to $80 per kilowatt with a technical lifespan of 25.000 hours in long-haul use. 
It is also planned to cap the cost limit for storing hydrogen on board vehicles at eight dollars per kilowatt hour (with a weight of 2,2 kilograms per kilowatt hour or 1,7 kilowatt hours per liter). The investment costs for electrolysers should reach the target of a maximum of 300 dollars per kilowatt, and the technical lifespan should be 80.000 hours with an efficiency of 65 percent.
In addition, the program envisages, among other things, removing technological and regulatory market barriers that both limit the integration of hydrogen into conventional energy systems and reduce the opportunities for hydrogen export.
deep link
https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-releases-its-hydrogen-program-plan
Department of Energy – Hydrogen Program Plan (50 pages)
https://www.hydrogen.energy.gov/pdfs/hydrogen-program-plan-2020.pdf
Photos
The USA wants to advance hydrogen technology (symbolic image) / © Dennis Schroeder, NREL
