Hydrogen could be a significant fuel of the future, with the potential to make a major contribution to the resolution of pressing social and environmental problems such as carbon emissions, energy security and local air pollution.

This book, based on four years of detailed research, subjects the promise and potential of hydrogen to searching, in-depth socio-economic analysis. It discusses the different technologies for the production, distribution, storage and use of hydrogen, and analyzes the economics of these technologies and their current market prospects. It also describes various experiences with aspects of a hydrogen economy in two parts of the world ? the UK and Canada ? and then assesses the nature of different hydrogen futures that might develop depending on how the technology, economics, social acceptance and policy frameworks play out in different contexts.

The book ends by setting out the policy drivers and levers which could stimulate a virtuous circle of research and development, innovation and investment that might ultimately generate a sustainable hydrogen economy. This is essential reading for economists, engineers, business leaders, investors, policy makers, researchers and students who are interested in the future of the energy system and the part that hydrogen might play in it.

1 Introduction and overview Paul Ekins Ekins, Paul 1 2 Innovation and technological change Paul Ekins Ekins, Paul 9 3 Hydrogen technologies and costs Paul Ekins Ekins, Paul Sam Hawkins Hawkins, Sam Nick Hughes Hughes, Nick 29 4 Hydrogen markets : an assessment of the competitiveness of fuel cells Paolo Agnolucci Agnolucci, Paolo Nick Hughes Hughes, Nick 59 5 Hydrogen transitions : a socio-technical scenarios approach Malcolm Eames Eames, Malcolm William McDowall McDowall, William 95 6 Hydrogen system modelling Nazmiye Balta-Ozkan Balta-Ozkan, Nazmiye Neil Strachan Strachan, Neil 125 7 Hydrogen in cities and regions : an international review Mike Hodson Hodson, Mike Simon Marvin Marvin, Simon Andrew Hewitson Hewitson, Andrew 153 8 Hydrogen in Vancouver : a cluster of innovation William McDowall McDowall, William 175 9 Hydrogen in the UK : comparing urban and regional drivers Mike Hodson Hodson, Mike Simon Marvin Marvin, Simon 197 10 Hydrogen risks : a critical analysis of expert knowledge and expectations Miriam Ricci Ricci, Miriam Paul Bellaby Bellaby, Paul Rob Flynn Flynn, Rob 217 11 Public attitudes to hydrogen energy : evidence from six case studies in the UK Miriam Ricci Ricci, Miriam Paul Bellaby Bellaby, Paul Rob Flynn Flynn, Rob Simon Dresner Dresner, Simon Julia Tomei Tomei, Julia 241 12 Hydrogen and public policy : conclusions and recommendations Paul Ekins Ekins, Paul Nick Hughes Hughes, Nick 265 Index 285