CARBON CREDITS AS A MEANS OF REDUCING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT AND STIMULATING INNOVATION IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HYDROGEN ECONOMY

Abstract

This article examines the growing significance of carbon credits as a strategic instrument in mitigating carbon footprints and driving innovation in the emerging hydrogen economy. As global efforts intensify to limit climate change and transition towards carbon neutrality, carbon credit mechanisms are increasingly being integrated into national and international environmental policies.

The primary objective of this study is to analyze the influence of carbon credits on the decarbonization process and to evaluate their role in fostering the development and deployment of hydrogen technologies, with a particular focus on green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy sources.

Through a multidisciplinary approach that combines policy analysis, economic incentive evaluation, and technological innovation assessment, the paper outlines how carbon credits can catalyze investments in clean energy infrastructure. The research highlights key policy frameworks, such as those promoted by the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), illustrating how these initiatives support transparency, innovation, and financial mobilization in favor of low-carbon technologies.

The study also explores the economic rationale behind carbon trading systems and their ability to redirect capital flows towards sustainable technologies, including hydrogen fuel production, storage, and distribution systems.

The findings suggest that carbon credits not only contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also play a critical role in shaping the market environment necessary for accelerating the hydrogen economy. The paper concludes by emphasizing the potential of carbon credits to stimulate cross-sectoral collaboration, technological advancement, and long-term environmental and economic benefits.