In the past 50 years, there have been previous waves of enthusiasm surrounding hydrogen.

– In the 1970s, the oil shocks and the surge in oil prices led governments to seek alternative energy sources. This resulted in the creation of the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy in 1976. However, the return to cheap fossil fuels in the early 1980s quickly stifled the initiative.

– In the 1990s, hydrogen made a comeback with the growing awareness of climate change. Initiatives were launched and resources were mobilized in Japan, the EU, and Canada. But once again, the availability of cheap oil undermined any progress.

– In the 2000s, in addition to climate change, the theory of peak oil came into play. Many countries joined forces and established the IPHFE (International Partnership for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells in the Economy). However, around 2010, the emergence of shale oil began to challenge the theory of peak oil. Simultaneously, electric cars captured all the attention and investments. Hydrogen was once again pushed to the background.