Policy, Not Technology, Is Holding the World Back From Hydrogen Power
While hydrogen is widely recognized as a cornerstone of the global energy transition, policy stagnation — not technology — is emerging as the biggest barrier to progress, according to Bahrain-based strategist Ben Queisser, Co-Founder and CEO of Apex Ventures.
Speaking at the World Hydrogen Technologies Convention (WHTC) 2025 in Ireland, Queisser urged global policymakers to accelerate regulatory reform and cross-border integration to convert proven hydrogen science into large-scale, bankable projects.
Hydrogen’s Promise Blocked by Policy Paralysis
“The technology has taken hydrogen to the starting line, but it’s policy and ecosystem integration that gets it across the finish,” said Queisser. “Countries that are easy to enter, easy to learn, and easy to scale will win investment, jobs, and climate impact.”
Queisser argued that nations must move beyond pilot project paralysis and instead focus on enabling frameworks that make hydrogen development financially viable. His proposed Ecosystem Integration Model outlines three core steps:
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Foundational Commitment – Develop a domestic hydrogen industry and regulatory base.
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Strategic R&D Collaboration – Co-develop local intellectual property and nurture technical talent.
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Commercial Partnership – Standardize contracts, align certification processes, and synchronize approvals to accelerate financing and project execution.
From Blueprints to Bankable Reality
Citing the NEOM Green Hydrogen Company project in Saudi Arabia — which reached an $8.4 billion financial close with long-term offtake agreements — Queisser highlighted how strong policy, domestic investment, and regional collaboration can translate vision into “steel in the ground.”
He linked this model directly to achieving key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
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SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
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SDG 13: Climate Action
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SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The GCC’s Strategic Advantage
According to Queisser, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is uniquely positioned to lead the hydrogen revolution, thanks to its renewable energy potential, infrastructure, and pro-business ecosystems.
“With world-class renewable resources and logistics advantages, the GCC can supply low-emissions molecules competitively, helping realize economic diversification and sustainability agendas,” he said.
Queisser pointed to Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project as an example of domestic-first strategy and Bahrain’s agility as a financial hub capable of operationalizing hydrogen innovation. “Bahrain can rapidly streamline market entry, enable shared testbeds, align certification with export markets, and leverage its financial expertise to attract global innovators and capital — becoming a true hydrogen launchpad,” he added.
