Description
Hydrogen has the potential to decarbonise a variety of sectors. Following public policy initiatives and targets for the development of the hydrogen ecosystem, private sector investors are increasingly considering investing in hydrogen projects. However, the hydrogen ecosystem is still in a nascent state. To help establish a healthy and vibrant hydrogen economy, public contracting authorities may need to contribute to the development of hydrogen-related infrastructure and decide how to maximise their support by leveraging scarce public funds.
This report aims to serve as a compass for public contracting authorities wishing to support hydrogen projects by means other than direct investment subsidy. To this end, it offers guidance and practical information on why and how such projects — which often span different segments of the value chain — can be delivered through partnering models. Starting from outlining the boundaries of this ecosystem, the analysis focused on project types that are most suitable for public sector support via the use of private sector partnering models. Ultimately, six project types deemed most promising based on a list of criteria, were studied in detail, with a view to both suggesting the most suitable partnering model for their type, and exploring other relevant project structuring characteristics (risk allocation, value for money, bankability).
