With most countries in Southeast Asia having adopted net-zero emissions targets, domestic and regional policy discussions have started to explore pathways that can realise these commitments. Hydrogen has generated an enormous amount of attention over the past few years: over 50 countries have published hydrogen strategies and many others, including those in Southeast Asia, intend to do so soon.
However, how hydrogen fits into national decarbonisation strategies remains uncertain. In the power sector, the use of ammonia coal co-firing to reduce emissions is being discussed. In the industrial sector, a wave of new investments in steel production could trigger additional dynamic demand for hydrogen.
On the supply side, the region is expected to soon become a net importer of fossil gas. At the same time, the development of renewable energy is still at an early stage and needs to be accelerated.
This report aims to inform discussions on priorities and ‘no regret’ uses of hydrogen specific to the Southeast Asian context. In addition to exploring different pathways of hydrogen demand and supply, it also examines the opportunities and challenges for energy infrastructure and Southeast Asia’s position in the global hydrogen trade. We hope this will help to provide evidence to galvanise discussions around hydrogen throughout the region.