Towards greater circularity in the hydrogen technology value chain

Abstract

The global transition to a carbon-neutral economy presents significant challenges, particularly in the deployment of renewable energy and storage technologies. A key aspect of this transition is the production and use of green hydrogen. This depends on the deployment of electrolysers and fuel cells, requiring critical raw materials in their manufacturing processes. In the European Union (EU), these materials are imported and classified as ‘critical’ due to a lack of viable substitutes, supply risks, and geopolitical factors. This article explores the potential of circular economy strategies to enhance resource security and resilience in the hydrogen technology value chain. Using a qualitative case-study approach that includes a literature review, document analysis, and 29 expert interviews, we map the current circularity patterns and outline regulatory, cultural, economic, and technical drivers and barriers. We identify eighteen drivers and fourteen barriers, highlight the interdependencies among them, and propose targeted policy interventions, namely restrictions on waste exports containing platinum group metals, individual recycling targets for iridium, and eco-design standards for dismantling and repairing electrolysers. Our findings contribute to scholarly discussions on the circular economy as a resource resilience strategy and offer actionable insights for policymakers in the EU and beyond.