Analysis of Areas for Improvement and Proposed Additions to the Hydrogen Council’s “Hydrogen for a resilient world” Call‑to‑Action
June 15, 2026 – Annie Nguyễn
1. Overview
The “Hydrogen for a resilient world” Call‑to‑Action is a strategic document expressing the vision and commitment of leading global hydrogen CEOs. It correctly identifies urgent challenges (energy crises, geopolitical instability) and proposes three priority action areas for governments: (1) act now, (2) create demand, (3) boost infrastructure. However, from the perspective of implementation in emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs), the document has several areas for improvement that need to be addressed, according to members of VAHC.
2. Areas for Improvement and Proposed Additions
2.1. Lack of a specific roadmap for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs)
Area for improvement:
The Call‑to‑Action focuses heavily on Europe, Japan and South Korea – large economies with strong industrial and financial foundations. EMDEs, which often have vast renewable resources but face capital, technology and institutional constraints, receive almost no tailored solutions.
Proposed addition:
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Add a dedicated section: “Special considerations for Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDEs)”.
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Call on international financial institutions (World Bank, IFC, ADB, AIIB) to establish dedicated financing mechanisms for hydrogen projects in EMDEs (low‑interest green credit, political risk guarantees, interest rate subsidies).
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Promote “hydrogen‑as‑a‑service” business models and blended finance schemes to lower upfront capital barriers.
2.2. Insufficient attention to regulatory gaps
Area for improvement:
The document stresses the need for clear rules (carbon intensity benchmarks, certification), but does not offer concrete recommendations on permitting procedures, grid connection, land use rights for hydrogen projects. In many countries, hydrogen projects are stalled due to incomplete legal frameworks and a lack of hydrogen classification in existing energy laws.
Proposed addition:
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Urge governments to establish a “national hydrogen focal agency” to handle licensing and cross‑sector coordination.
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Develop a model guide for hydrogen project permitting (drawing on front‑runner countries such as Germany, the Netherlands and Japan).
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Propose a “one‑stop shop” mechanism for large‑scale green hydrogen projects.
2.3. No mention of human capital and skills development
Area for improvement:
The Call‑to‑Action completely omits the people dimension – training engineers, operators, safety experts and project managers. A shortage of skilled workforce is already a major bottleneck for hydrogen deployment in many countries.
Proposed addition:
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Add a section: “Invest in people: skills and workforce development”.
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Call on governments and industry to jointly establish vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate training programmes on hydrogen technologies.
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Promote expert exchange programmes between front‑runner countries and EMDEs.
2.4. Failure to address the water challenge in arid regions
Area for improvement:
Electrolysis requires large amounts of water (50‑74 litres per kg of H₂). Regions with abundant renewable resources are often dry, with scarce fresh water. The document does not mention desalination, wastewater reuse or dry cooling.
Proposed addition:
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Add a recommendation on integrating sustainable water supply solutions into hydrogen projects (renewable‑powered desalination, treated wastewater reuse).
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Call on international bodies to support R&D and demonstration of seawater or brackish water electrolysis technologies.
2.5. Missing measurable indicators and progress monitoring
Area for improvement:
The Call‑to‑Action sets qualitative goals (accelerate investment, create demand, etc.) but lacks specific key performance indicators (KPIs) for governments and industry to track progress.
Proposed addition:
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Propose a core set of indicators, for example:
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Total installed electrolyser capacity (GW) by year.
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Actual clean hydrogen production (million tonnes/year).
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Kilometres of hydrogen pipelines converted or newly built.
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Local content ratio in hydrogen projects.
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Call for an annual reporting mechanism between governments and industry.
2.6. Insufficient emphasis on international standards harmonisation
Area for improvement:
While “carbon intensity benchmarks” are mentioned, the document does not stress the importance of harmonised international standards (e.g., ISO/TC 197 on hydrogen technologies, renewable hydrogen certification schemes). Lack of common standards is a major barrier to cross‑border hydrogen trade.
Proposed addition:
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Urge governments to adopt and mutually recognise international standards (ISO, IEC) for hydrogen production, transport, storage and certification.
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Propose the creation of an “Alliance of National Standardisation Bodies on Hydrogen” to harmonise technical regulations.
3. Conclusion
The “Hydrogen for a resilient world” Call‑to‑Action is a valuable document that demonstrates strong consensus among global hydrogen industry leaders. However, to be truly effective, it should be supplemented with: (i) solutions for EMDEs, (ii) detailed legal and procedural mechanisms, (iii) workforce development, (iv) sustainable water management, (v) concrete KPIs, and (vi) the role of international standardisation. These additions would make the Call‑to‑Action more comprehensive, actionable and relevant to the diverse contexts of countries worldwide.
