In the framework of the online workshop, representatives of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) presented a study of the potential and possibilities of hydrogen production and use in Ukraine, as well as a roadmap for hydrogen use in the transport sector and environmental risk assessment.

The discussion was attended by more than 80 participants: representatives of ministries, departments, relevant associations, businesses, international organizations, experts.

Hydrogen is considered in the world as a key component of the future of the energy sector.

Hydrogen has many uses: in particular in metallurgy, oil refining, nitrogen fertilizer production, and the transport sector.

It is also a universal resource for decarbonizing a number of sectors (energy, industry, transport) and enhancing energy security.

Outlining the benefits of hydrogen energy, Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine for European Integration Yaroslav Demchenkov stressed the importance of accelerating the development of hydrogen energy. Technology races and global competition in this area are intensifying. Germany, Italy, the United States, Canada and other countries are trying to innovate in the production, transportation and use of hydrogen and get all the benefits in the new market. Ukraine with its significant potential should be among the first.

In turn, Konstiantyn Hura, acting Head of the State Agency on Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving stressed that Ukraine has been identified by the European Union as a priority partner for cooperation in the production and use of green hydrogen.

"We have significant potential for the production of green hydrogen (337 billion nm3 H2) and work is underway on the necessary infrastructure for its transportation to the EU. That is why there is every chance to integrate into Europe's hydrogen plans. Meanwhile, active work prolongs in this direction," Konstiantyn Hura added.

The study shows the following:

• analysis of the best world practices and plans for the use of hydrogen, the potential of hydrogen in Ukraine;
• calculation of economic efficiency of various methods of hydrogen production;
• analysis of existing and necessary infrastructure for hydrogen storage and transportation (for domestic use and export).

For the productive development of hydrogen energy, it is critical to determine specific measures at the national, regional and municipal levels, which should become the basis for the future Concept of Hydrogen Energy Development of Ukraine until 2050.