Hydrogen—the smallest molecule, but one that holds the potential to be an energy superhero and to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions and slowing climate change. It is the most abundant element in the universe and can be produced from an impressive list of resources that could truly manifest an “all of the above” energy economy. It can be combusted, compressed, liquefied, stored, used to store electricity, and used to produce electricity. While modifications are needed to address its unique attributes, hydrogen also can be transported via pipeline (either on its own or as part of a commingled natural gas stream), by truck, rail, or vessel.
Companies ranging from utilities to manufacturers and automobile companies, high tech, and even oil supermajors, are recognizing hydrogen’s potential and taking an active role in the nascent global expansion of this industry.
Like other sources of energy, commercial-scale hydrogen will require clear, informed, and transparent regulatory regimes at the local, national, and international levels. These regimes will need to balance hydrogen’s unique features and a desire to build out a robust hydrogen infrastructure that facilitates the penetration of hydrogen as a major global energy source.
Whether it is green, blue, grey, or brown, our lawyers and public policy professionals are deeply steeped in the issues that will shape the production, transportation, and use of hydrogen as a broad-scale energy source. Our team includes lawyers with decades of experience in the electricity, renewables, natural gas, and LNG sectors who fundamentally understand the energy economy. In addition, through our fully integrated, global platform, we are able to work seamlessly with our insurance coverage, intellectual property, tax, policy advocacy, environmental, corporate, commercial, and disputes practices—each of which will play an important role in this emerging industry. Our global footprint means that we are where the markets are developing.
For updates on developments in the hydrogen market, tune in to our Hydrogen Rising podcast program.
