2024 JFIPP Research Fellow - Benjamin Craig Mclellan

Project Summary

The use of "green" hydrogen produced with renewable energy is seen as a potential solution for climate change mitigation. But a transition to a hydrogen economy will have direct socio-economic implications for the societies that implement them and the communities the required infrastructure to provide this hydrogen. Moreover, the transition will require more "critical" minerals for the technology to be rolled-out widely, which may need the expansion of mining - even potentially into the deep ocean.

This project will seek to map out the hotspots for social impacts and potential benefits across the supply chain of the direct production and utilization of hydrogen, as well as the resources needed. By engaging with institutional and industrial stakeholders, the project will identify policy options and trends. It will also use deliberative polling to understand general stakeholders` opinions towards deep sea mining and alternative policy options.