Hydrogen economies and energy futures: A new Australian dream?. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Beasy, Kim
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 91(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Hydrogen energy -- Ecomodernism -- Australia -- Sociotechnical -- Socio-political -- Technocratic; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2022.102751
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Abstract: Australia, like many other places in the world, is significantly investing in hydrogen technologies. In this perspective piece, I discuss how the socio-political context has shaped, and is continuing to influence, the approach to advancing a hydrogen economy in Australia. I detail the historical events that have influenced Australia's ambitions of global leadership in hydrogen energy and through doing so, reveal future opportunities and challenges. I argue that investment in hydrogen technologies reflects ecomodernist and technocratic ideologies, and that deeper engagement with sociotechnical and socio-political dimensions are needed to assure hydrogen becomes the dream that so much of the world is relying on it to be.