Investors, climate activists, and state attorneys general have scrutinized Big Oil, forcing it to curb CO2 releases and to be more transparent about how it values its climate risks. That dynamic is behind the move to diversify their portfolios and to accept their role in human-caused climate change. But they are major natural gas developers, which is seen as a cleaner alternative to coal for electricity generation and for now, hydrogen production.

Yes, oil companies could play a significant role in the hydrogen economy. Today most hydrogen is produced in reactions involving coal and natural gas — considered “grey hydrogen” that does nothing to limit CO2 emissions. Skeptics contend that oil and natural gas companies think of hydrogen as a vehicle to sell more hydrocarbons — the engine that is central to producing hydrogen.

The agency says that the trials and tribulations tied to creating hydrogen are worth it — no matter the fuel that is used: it is all helping to build out the needed infrastructure to carry the hydrogen to where it will ultimately be consumed.

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