Responses to Frequently Asked Questions and Common Concerns About Hydrogen

A wide range of stakeholders have raised important questions about hydrogen's opportunities and limitations, along with questions and concerns about the benefits and impacts of hydrogen and related technologies for various applications. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) Alternative Fuels and Feedstocks Office (formerly the Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office) is hosting this webpage on behalf of the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force to provide a resource to help answer these questions and support the important discussions to take place as hydrogen technologies are deployed. 

DOE has identified a number of these questions and concerns through extensive engagement efforts—including requests for information, webinars, and public listening sessions held by multiple DOE offices. These have been compiled and condensed into a simple, clear format accessible to many audiences. The questions shown below are an initial selection identified as having the highest priority for key stakeholder groups. 

The materials provided here were developed as a collaborative effort among hydrogen experts at DOE Hydrogen Program offices, followed by further review and refinement by agencies in the Hydrogen Interagency Task Force (HIT). As such, they reflect the expertise and perspectives of multiple agencies across the federal government.

More questions and responses will be added to this list as answers are refined and thoroughly vetted. Initial responses may be posted here as drafts before being reviewed and refined by the HIT.

For any comments or questions related to these questions and answers please reach out at hydrogen-FAQ@hq.doe.gov.

Refer to our hydrogen and fuel cell technologies information resources to access additional energy basics, publications, and multimedia resources.