This article summarizes a recent conversation hosted by Hydrogeninsight with CGI experts Peter Warren and David van der Ploeg. Together, they explore the opportunities and challenges of building a global hydrogen economy, highlighting the importance of ecosystem collaboration, regulatory alignment and digital innovation.

Hydrogen trading: Unlocking the future energy economy

Hydrogen is emerging as a key enabler of the global energy transition. Its role in decarbonization is expanding across regions, offering a flexible alternative where full electrification isn't feasible. As new hydrogen supply chains take shape, success will depend on regulatory alignment, digital innovation, collaboration and scalable data solutions.

Understanding hydrogen’s role in a changing energy landscape

Hydrogen’s future is shaped by geography, infrastructure and geopolitical context. Depending on their resources and infrastructure, some regions will emerge as net exporters while others will rely on imports. Existing infrastructure—such as natural gas pipelines—can be repurposed for hydrogen, helping to offset transport costs and accelerate adoption. Hydrogen also serves as a carrier of renewable energy, connecting production-rich areas to high-demand consumption zones. These dynamics underscore the need for integrated supply chains and ecosystem collaboration.

Hydrogen also serves as a carrier of renewable energy, connecting production-rich areas to high-demand consumption zones. These dynamics underscore the need for integrated supply chains and ecosystem collaboration.

Building integrated hydrogen ecosystems

To support this integration, CGI draws on solutions like CGI AgileDX-Sustainability and CGI AgileDX-Hydrogen. These platforms help organizations navigate the complexity of the hydrogen value chain by improving visibility, aligning stakeholders and turning data into actionable insights that drive collaboration and performance.

Hydrogen cannot be scaled in isolation. Its success depends on integrating energy producers, shippers, manufacturers, traders and financial systems. Organizations that span these domains are well positioned to connect the dots across the hydrogen value chain.

Digital platforms modeled on established trading systems are already proving the concept of hydrogen trading. Proven capabilities from energy and financial services—such as real-time data processing and system integration—are being applied to enable this new market.

"We’re not just building new energy systems—we’re shaping a future economy." – Peter Warren

Navigating complexity with standards and trusted data

One of the biggest hurdles in hydrogen scale-up is regulatory complexity. Rules vary by geography, and global coordination remains limited. Emerging standards like ISO 14687 are a step forward, but companies must continue to navigate complex and evolving requirements while ensuring compliance and traceability.

Data is critical. Companies need auditable insights into the carbon intensity of hydrogen used across their supply chains. This transparency supports both sustainability reporting and potential future taxation based on emissions.

Turning hydrogen production byproducts into business value

"What we currently see as waste can often be reframed as an opportunity—with the right perspective, byproducts can become products." – David van der Ploeg

While hydrogen conversion processes aren't always efficient, they can make sense when renewable energy would otherwise be curtailed. By rethinking waste as opportunity, organizations can unlock additional value.

Heat and water byproducts, for example, can be redirected into nearby applications—like heating buildings or supporting hydroponic agriculture. These kinds of cross-sector partnerships support circular economy goals and strengthen the business case for hydrogen.

Using digital triplets to optimize hydrogen decisions

Digital triplets—combinations of digital twins for production, grid and market environments—offer a powerful way to optimize hydrogen systems. These tools evaluate real-time data against business objectives, helping organizations decide how best to use surplus energy.

Whether to store, trade or convert energy depends on real-time factors. Triplets can support decisions such as: Should electricity be sold, stored or converted into hydrogen? Should hydrogen be reused or processed into fertilizer? The goal is to maximize value across all assets.

Scaling hydrogen systems with digital tools and policy alignment

Widespread adoption of sensor data, responsible AI and analytics is helping organizations to manage hydrogen systems at scale. Real-time insights into production, distribution and usage are essential to optimize performance and sustainability.

Yet innovation must be matched by smart policy. Fragmented or conflicting regulations can slow progress. Greater alignment between legislative bodies and industry leaders is needed to ensure momentum isn’t lost.

Hydrogen offers diverse pathways for energy and economic development. Success will depend not on a single model, but on tailored strategies and strong collaboration across regions and sectors.