Hydrogen has emerged as a key component in the global transition towards low-carbon energy systems. Acknowledged for its potential to drive sustainability, clean hydrogen is hailed as a promising solution capable of decarbonizing challenging sectors, facilitating the integration of renewable energy through robust energy storage mechanisms, and enhancing energy security. However, the current landscape reveals that clean hydrogen occupies only a marginal share in the broader hydrogen market, due to a constellation of challenges, including high costs, intricate technical barriers, and a lack of standardized protocols. Nonetheless, several governments across the world have unveiled comprehensive plans and funding initiatives intended to catalyze transformative progress in clean hydrogen technology by the end of this decade.

In this context, the role of cities is crucial in realizing the potential of hydrogen as a key component of clean energy systems. Several cities have launched pilot projects, aiming to advance the use of hydrogen. Among these cities, Seoul and Tokyo stand out as pioneers, having initiated hydrogen development strategies and actions. This article seeks to provide an analysis of how these two cities have pioneered hydrogen energy projects, offering valuable insights to other cities seeking to incorporate hydrogen in their decarbonization efforts.