Hydrogen Geopolitics in the Anthropocene

This paper delves into discussions on hydrogen geopolitics, particularly examining the extent to which discussions on hydrogen geopolitics have stayed apace with the development of new openings in the broader geopolitics literature. It posits the understanding of geopolitics employed in the literature on hydrogen geopolitics is firmly rooted in traditional understandings of geopolitics and does not fully account for openings in the literature on geopolitics regarding the environment, ecology, as well as the Anthropocene. This paper analyses the understanding of geopolitics at the heart of discussions on the concept of hydrogen geopolitics by focusing on the national hydrogen strategies of Australia, the USA, Japan, Germany, as well as the European Union. The study explores hydrogen’s role in the energy transition and underscores the significance of diverse hydrogen production and utilization scenarios in conceptualizing hydrogen geopolitics and shaping discussions on energy geopolitics more broadly. Furthermore, the paper contemplates the integration of more-than-human justice perspectives in an energy landscape increasingly moving towards green electrification. Attention is given to the global context and the expanding network of hydrogen partnerships, evaluating whether they promote fair energy relationships or continue to reinforce existing inequalities. Here, important factors include the even distribution of benefits as well as environmental consequences of hydrogen initiatives. In conclusion, the paper questions whether hydrogen will maintain the current energy paradigm or instigate a significant shift in the energy transition through contributing to opening up understandings of energy geopolitics that fully account for the changing nature of the concept of hydrogen geopolitics in the Anthropocene.