Strategy for Potential Use of Green Hydrogen for Sustainable Long-Range Surface Transport

The transition to sustainable energy is essential for combating climate change, and Green Hydrogen offers a promising solution. This dissertation used a qualitative modified Delphi technique to explore Green Hydrogen expert opinions to determine their consensus about the technology’s barriers and necessary energy policy and regulations for its large-scale adoption in long-range surface transport. A literature review matrix provided the initial round of a questionnaire that highlighted the perception of the need for renewable energy, where much of the literature positioned Green Hydrogen as key to reducing transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the literature review, the study focused on demands for drivers, barriers, cost-benefit considerations, public policy implications, and ethical concerns regarding Green Hydrogen. Using qualitative questionnaires and ranking methods, opinions from expert participants were curated through three rounds of data collection. The findings confirmed that Green Hydrogen should be a mainstream energy source. Insights from a modified Delphi method identified strategies for its adoption. The findings revealed a consensus of expert opinion about Green Hydrogen's potential while emphasizing the need for policy support and technological advancements. This dissertation provides strategic recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders, emphasizing Green Hydrogen's critical role in achieving a decarbonized economy and sustainable growth. It highlights three key pillars for a robust Green Hydrogen strategy. The first is infrastructure development, focusing on building a comprehensive hydrogen refueling network. The second is regional integration through localized microgrids and repurposed pipelines to enhance energy distribution. The third is innovation and policy support, emphasizing accelerated research, market alignment, and policy frameworks to drive adoption.