Hydrogen

The worldwide demand for energy continues to grow, while downward pressures on cost are increasing and climate change is creating urgency in developing renewables. In a few short years, the hydrogen economy has evolved from a vision to a tangible power source.

Improvements in technology—and a surge in government support around the world for a move toward cleaner energy sources—have given rise to the recognition that hydrogen has the potential to decarbonize a range of industries. Companies on the leading edge are demonstrating that hydrogen can be used in a range of applications, including power generation and storage and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Akin is a global energy powerhouse with 75 years of experience working across the full energy value chain, from the wellhead to the burner tip. With lawyers across the U.S., Asia, Europe and the Middle East, our industry savvy helps clients work nimbly across both borders and cultural boundaries.

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A zero-carbon fuel, hydrogen is also highly abundant, extremely efficient and a safe medium for energy storage.

Our team has a strong understanding of the range of hydrogen production methods—each of which has its own challenges that we are well positioned to address—including:

Green hydrogen produced from electrolysis powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar
Pink hydrogen produced from electrolysis powered by nuclear energy
Blue hydrogen produced from natural gas or coal, with greenhouse emissions being sequestrated using carbon capture and storage technology
Grey hydrogen produced from natural gas without sequestration of greenhouse emissions
Brown hydrogen produced from coal or biomass using gasification technology without sequestration of greenhouse emissions.

Other practices in the firm round out our experience in areas critical to companies operating in the hydrogen space. Our renowned public law and policy practice—along with the firm’s climate change initiative—includes many former members of Congress and former regulators, helping clients navigate key regulatory and policy issues facing hydrogen projects in markets around the world. Within our ranks are also seasoned projects & energy transition lawyers with deep experience in emerging financing models, including public-private partnerships.

Hydrogen’s versatility and multiple applications, along with its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy security and support the deployment of renewable energy sources, point to it playing a significant role in the world’s future energy mix. Our lawyers closely track the regulatory, policy and market dynamics impacting hydrogen, and are well positioned to help companies navigate the space’s challenges and seize its opportunities.