COP30 and the Global Hydrogen Acceleration Plan: A Turning Point from Ambition to Action

At COP30 in Belém, Brazil, hydrogen was elevated as one of the core pillars of the global energy transition. Following the period from COP26 to COP29—where frameworks such as the Hydrogen Breakthrough Goal, Hydrogen Declaration of Intent, and hydrogen-related NDCs were introduced—COP30 represents a decisive shift from political ambition to real implementation.

Based on COP30 briefings, global production of low-emission hydrogen has grown tenfold since 2020, signaling the rapid movement from pilot to commercial markets. The COP30 Hydrogen Acceleration Plan is designed to ensure that 2030 targets remain achievable through synchronized international action, investment mobilization, technology deployment, and market creation.

1. A Global Framework for Coordinated Action

The Acceleration Plan integrates:

• 11 tipping-point levers to trigger large-scale market transformation,

• 4 priority impact areas including production, transport, industrial use, and finance,

• more than 40 contributing partners across governments, DFIs, and industry,

• and over 120 collaborative actions covering standardization, certification, and technology development.

This global framework aims to harmonize hydrogen policies and prevent fragmentation among nations and regions.

2. Key Initiatives Announced at COP30

2.1. Global Clean Hydrogen Programme

The programme secured USD 213.5 million in co-financing from public–private partners in nine emerging economies including Algeria, Malaysia, Namibia, Nigeria, Pakistan, and the Philippines. It focuses on expanding clean hydrogen production, infrastructure, and industrial uptake.

2.2. UNIDO Funding for Industrial Decarbonization

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) allocated:

• USD 15.8 million to UNIDO to advance hydrogen use in heavy-emitting industries,

• USD 16 million for China to adopt low-emission hydrogen within industrial operations.

These investments confirm hydrogen’s critical role in transforming sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals.

2.3. The 10GW Lighthouse Initiative

Backed by 15 major development finance institutions, the initiative has:

• identified 68 priority countries,

• mapped more than 500 hydrogen projects,

• and enabled 1 GW of early-stage electrolyzer capacity.

Countries such as Brazil, Chile, Egypt, India and Morocco are emerging as future leaders thanks to strong renewable resources.

2.4. LEAF Initiative – Low-Emission Ammonia-Based Fertilizer

The LEAF initiative brings together more than 12 international partners to:

• decarbonize fertilizer production via low-emission ammonia,

• establish certification systems,

• and reduce emissions in a sector responsible for 2% of global CO₂ output.

2.5. International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF)

IHTF released a Public–Private Implementation Statement to accelerate the creation of hydrogen-based product markets, including green steel, cement, and fertilizers. Actions include binding targets, public green procurement, and buyers’ alliances.

3. Strategic Significance of COP30

COP30 reinforces that 2024–2030 is the decisive window for scaling hydrogen from demonstration to global deployment.

3.1. A unified global ecosystem

Standardized certification, MRV systems, and common definitions will facilitate cross-border hydrogen trade.

3.2. Real market demand creation

Governments are introducing quotas, mandates, and procurement rules to stimulate rapid growth in hydrogen-based industrial materials.

3.3. Mobilizing large-scale finance

Initiatives such as Lighthouse 10GW unlock concessional finance to reduce risks for early-stage projects in emerging markets.

3.4. Accelerating innovation

Investment in electrolyzers, storage, shipping, and industrial retrofits will significantly reduce hydrogen costs globally.

4. Looking Ahead to 2028

COP30 establishes a shared framework for coordinated action up to 2028. Key priorities include:

• rapid deployment of project pipelines,

• commercial corridors for hydrogen and ammonia trade,

• technology transfer and capacity building,

• deeper public–private cooperation.

The overarching message is clear: the time for implementation is now. Hydrogen is moving from a future technology to a central component of the emerging net-zero economy.