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Brito, T. 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2640-7410, Rafaj, P. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1000-5617, Pauls, A., Zhang, S. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2487-8574, Sander, R. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6507-0630, Höglund-Isaksson, L. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7514-3135, & Klimont, Z. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2630-198X
(2026).
Global hydrogen emissions and air pollutants from the hydrogen economy: scenario analysis with the GAINS model.
Environmental Research: Energy 3 (2) e025024. 10.1088/2753-3751/ae69e3.
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Abstract
The deployment of hydrogen offers significant opportunities for decarbonization and advancing the energy transition. However, hydrogen itself acts as an indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) by extending methane’s atmospheric lifetime, contributing to tropospheric ozone and stratospheric water vapour formation. Currently, the primary anthropogenic source of hydrogen emissions is the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, biomass and waste. However, the development of a hydrogen economy might lead to significant amounts of hydrogen emissions due to leakage throughout the value chain. Additionally, hydrogen production, storage, transport, and end-use can lead to emissions of GHGs and ambient air pollutants. This study employs the gas—air pollution interactions and synergies model to quantify global emissions of hydrogen, from combustion sources and leakages, as well as GHG and air pollutants associated with the hydrogen economy. We apply a range of energy demand scenarios and evaluate the sensitivity to different hydrogen production methods and emission control strategies. Our results indicate that anthropogenic hydrogen emissions in 2020 were approximately 10 Mt H 2 , primarily from the incomplete combustion of gasoline and fuelwood. Projections indicate that anthropogenic hydrogen emissions could increase to up to 20 Mt H 2 by 2050, driven by both incomplete combustion and fugitive sources. Increased air pollutant emissions related to the hydrogen economy are generally easier to manage than hydrogen emissions using existing control technologies and regulatory frameworks. The study also provides a comprehensive documentation of the integration of emissions related to the hydrogen-economy into a modelling framework to support further analysis and potential policy implications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | hydrogen emissions, hydrogen leakage, air pollutant emissions, hydrogen production, hydrogen economy, emission inventory |
| Research Programs: | Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Integrated Assessment and Climate Change (IACC) Energy, Climate, and Environment (ECE) > Pollution Management (PM) |
| Depositing User: | Luke Kirwan |
| Date Deposited: | 29 Jun 2026 07:37 |
| Last Modified: | 29 Jun 2026 07:37 |
| URI: | https://pure.iiasa.ac.at/21684 |
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