2 April 2024

11:45 – 12:30

Amphi 1

Mikaa Blugeon-Mered

An independent researcher specializing in hydrogen markets, strategies and geopolitics, Mikaa Blugeon-Mered is a lecturer at Sciences Po on these topics and, since November 2023, expert-coordinator of MEDEF International’s Hydrogen Task Force. His work intersects issues of space, security, climate, standards, innovation, flows and economic diplomacy, with a neo-institutionalist and comparative approach to industrial policies applicable to hydrogen. In charge of the “Hydrogen Policy Radar” project since 2022, he has carried out nearly 50 field trips on 5 continents to verify the reality of the implementation of national and local hydrogen strategies. Also a lecturer at HEC Paris, École de Guerre and Université Mohammed VI Polytechnique (Morocco), he is a member of the World Hydrogen Leaders network, the CertifHy steering committee and in 2022 was named “Ambassador for Green Hydrogen” by the International Association for Hydrogen Energy (IAHE). Winner of the “Visionary Cleantech Policy Decision-maker” award at the World Cleantech Awards in January 2024, he is currently finalizing two new books on the economic and geopolitical challenges of hydrogen in 2024, and has just designed France’s first “Fresque des Hydrogène”.

Why is hydrogen already shaking up the geopolitics of energy?

This conference aims to explore the complex dynamics surrounding hydrogen as an emerging energy carrier, as well as a primary energy source (natural hydrogen). Envisaged in 120 countries around the world as a potential solution to global and local energy challenges, promising to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and ease the transition to a low-carbon economy, hydrogen is regularly in the news, although this energy remains poorly understood and subject to prejudices that penalize its development. This conference will analyze how, beyond the myths surrounding its potential, hydrogen is already influencing energy geopolitics, reshaping international alliances, energy markets and national energy security strategies. It will address the technological innovations enabling hydrogen production, storage and transport, as well as the associated economic and environmental challenges. In addition, the conference will examine the government policies and infrastructure investments required for its eventual adoption, highlighting the opportunities and risks for both energy-producing and energy-consuming countries. Finally, it will highlight the implications of hydrogen for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, energy security and sustainable development, for a nuanced and systemic understanding of its role in future energy geopolitics.