Date of Award

Spring 5-11-2025

Advisor(s)

John Van Buren

Abstract

This thesis investigates the systemic barriers that hinder the development and implementation of green hydrogen in the United States. Beginning by tracing the two-century history of hydrogen energy, from early scientific discovery and utopian visions to cycles of hype, failure, and policy stagnation, this thesis examines why green hydrogen remains unrealized despite its transformative potential. Chapter I examines the environmental consequences of fossil fuel dependence and presents green hydrogen as a transformative energy alternative. Chapter II explores the technological landscape of hydrogen energy, detailing production methods, roadblocks to adoption, and ongoing U.S. hydrogen projects. Chapter III analyzes the economic dynamics shaping hydrogen’s development, including market opportunities, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the influence of fossil fuel interests in distorting investment flows. Chapter IV evaluates the evolution of U.S. hydrogen policy, highlighting the effects of fragmented regulation, corporate lobbying, and the exclusion of environmental justice and Indigenous advocacy from key policy frameworks. Chapter V investigates how political stagnation, regulatory ambiguity, and greenwashing undermine progress toward a clean hydrogen transition. Finally, Chapter VI offers a forward-looking framework, presenting strategies for scaling hydrogen infrastructure, reforming economic incentives, and enhancing regulatory cohesion. By addressing these barriers, this thesis argues that green hydrogen can play a pivotal role in combating climate change, provided that systemic challenges are overcome through coordinated policy action, corporate accountability, and equity-focused solutions.

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