Regional Hydrogen Market Development Based on the Natural Gas Market Experience
Green hydrogen; New market development; Natural gas.
Fossil fuels and coal contributed to industrialization. However, one of the main disadvantages was the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which led the international community to take measures in the search for alternatives, among them renewable energies. Green hydrogen emerges as a promising alternative with zero greenhouse gas emissions. Considering that hydrogen has similarities with natural gas in its end use, transportation, and conditioning, the insertion of natural gas into the market can provide lessons learned for future relations and commercial transactions of hydrogen. This study aims to propose strategic guidelines and best practices for the development of the regional green hydrogen market based on the experience of the natural gas market. The research procedure encompassed four stages. Stage 1 considered theoretical research on the gas market, hydrogen production, the use of natural gas, and potential challenges in replacing fossil fuels, in addition to the challenges of developing a new market. Stage 2 involved a case study of the development of the natural gas market in the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Stage 3 focused on structuring the guidelines, and Stage 4 on validation through a focus group. As a result, a set of guidelines will be produced for the development of the regional green hydrogen market.