Can hydrogen energy meet the energy needs of the fourth industrial revolution?

Over time, changing production systems have brought about fundamental transformations in the energy sector. Each Industrial Revolution has relied on a different energy source, depending on the technological developments and production needs of the time. Today, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with its production structure based on advanced technologies such as digitalization, automation, and artificial intelligence, has brought the need for sustainable and green energy sources to the forefront. In addition to this, the increasing effects of global warming, concerns about energy supply security, and the environmental damage caused by fossil fuels have made it necessary to turn to alternative and environmentally friendly energy sources. In this context, hydrogen energy has become a strategic focus in countries' energy transition processes, especially in recent years. Although hydrogen has had various applications in the past, studies on green hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources have increased significantly in recent years. Many countries have announced their national hydrogen strategies and have begun to develop large-scale projects and international collaborations in this field. Turkey has also joined this process and demonstrated its determination to transition to hydrogen technologies by publishing the National Hydrogen Strategy Document in 2023. This study examines Turkey's current situation in the field of hydrogen energy and evaluates its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats through a SWOT analysis. According to the analysis results, Turkey's strengths are at the forefront in the transition to hydrogen energy. In particular, its rich natural resources, high solar and wind energy potential, and world-leading boron reserves show that Turkey has significant advantages in green hydrogen production and storage. On the other hand, factors such as high investment costs and capital requirements are among the key weaknesses that emerge during the transition process.