The impact of a future hydrogen economy on atmospheric composition and climate

Hydrogen may well be the fuel of the future. It is not a direct greenhouse gas itself, and it burns cleanly to produce only water as an exhaust. Hydrogen emissions are not, however, without potential consequences for climate, atmospheric chemistry and – via formation of water vapour – for stratospheric ozone. Unfortunately, those consequences can only be estimated roughly because the atmospheric cycle of hydrogen has been studies little in the past. In the present project four Dutch major players in atmospheric and energy research combine their expertise in atmospheric measurements and modelling to improve our understanding of the atmospheric hydrogen cycle and on Dutch emissions of this trace gas. This improved understanding will allow a much better assessment of the potential changes and risks of a hydrogen economy. 

Project leaders

• Prof. dr. T. Röckmann, Utrecht University
• Dr. ing. J.W. Erisman, Energy research Centre of the Netherlands
• Prof. dr. M.C. Krol, Wageningen Universiteit en Researchcentrum
• Dr. M. Schaap
• Ir. A.T. Vermeulen, Energy research Centre of the Netherlands
• Dr. E. Weijers, Energy research Centre of the Netherlands