Latvia’s challenge: ensuring a hydrogen economy by 2030 (+VIDEO)

VS.lv 09.07.2024

The Latvian Climate Neutrality Cluster 2050 continues its work on identifying potential energy sources for our country. The study “Latvia’s Hydrogen Economy Strategy 2030” was published by Dr. oec. Justs Dimants. A discussion was also held on possible ways to develop hydrogen energy.

The hydrogen economy could become one of the driving forces of Latvia’s energy decarbonization and, in the medium term, promote sustainable energy. Latvia has the preconditions and potential to fulfil these functions to varying extents and thereby contribute to the national economy. However, intensive work is needed to realize this potential. By 2030, to develop the elements of a hydrogen economy ecosystem, creating an environment where renewable resources are maximally utilized, collaboration among stakeholders is fostered, technological innovations are promoted, sustainable energy development is advanced, energy dependence on imports is reduced, and the negative environmental impact of greenhouse gases is minimized. Heating, production, electricity supply, production, pipeline infrastructure, ports, airports, hydrogen producers, technology manufacturers, NGOs, engineering solutions, attraction of foreign investment.

“Hydrogen can be used as an energy carrier, especially in an integrated chain with solar and wind power plants,” says Justs Dimants. “Hydrogen obtained through electrolysis can be stored, thereby increasing the efficiency of renewable energy use and promoting energy independence and security. The heat generated during hydrogen production is an environmentally friendly by-product that can be usefully applied both in centralized heating systems and locally in decentralized heating networks.”

The scientist also highlighted several challenges:

1. Regulatory framework – including the lack of standards, which creates obstacles to a standardized approach in technology development and deployment, investment attraction, and hydrogen sector growth. The regulatory gap also includes missing planning documents and support instruments, which are crucial prerequisites for developing a new energy sector. Experts note that several EU countries have positive legislative experiences that Latvia could adopt.

2. Lack of infrastructure – indicating the need for significant preliminary studies and substantial investment to address this challenge.

3. Absence of demand and consumption – recognized as a key factor for business planning and development.

4. Transport sector – there are uncertainties and unknowns regarding technology costs, refuelling expenses, and hydrogen production prices. Many assumptions remain unverified, and fact-based experience is lacking. Initial pilot projects could involve bus fleets, though several experts remain sceptical about using hydrogen in transport in a pure form, suggesting its adoption in the sector is likely a long-term prospect.

5. Education – experts from technology and manufacturing sectors emphasize the current challenge of attracting and retaining skilled engineering personnel.