Limited scientific evidence for decarbonization of energy end-uses and the challenges to learning and empowerment of green hydrogen niches - insights from Canada

Supporting inappropriate uses for hydrogen can delay climate action and decarbonization efforts should limit hydrogen to difficult-to-electrify end-uses. The introduction of novel green hydrogen niches to markets requires learning about which end-uses are appropriate for hydrogen and the empowerment of these niches. This work identifies and collates scientific evidence of when to use hydrogen over electrification of end-uses. The hydrogen end-uses being empowered by legitimization through discourse and resource mobilization are assessed in investment advice, 11 government plans, and 47 policies in Canada. The findings confirm the inattention to when to electrify and when to use hydrogen, observed in the very limited scientific evidence of only two approaches to prioritization, the lack of harmonization between the approaches, and the lack of legitimization of this information. Although some hydrogen end-uses being empowered align with scientific evidence, the most appropriate set of hydrogen end-uses that could contribute to decarbonization are not being legitimized and empowered in Canada. More attention should be paid and resources allocated to developing and legitimizing robust and scientifically based evidence of when to electrify and when to use hydrogen for energy end-uses. This novel method is globally applicable to other emerging technologies and policy analysis. • Inappropriate hydrogen end-uses are legitimized by government-released hydrogen plans. • Failure to prioritize hydrogen end-uses obscures social and environmental trade-offs. • More consistent and detailed evidence is needed for better hydrogen prioritization. • Learning nurtures green hydrogen niches through accumulating key facts and data.