International and Comparative Law Perspectives of Hydrogen Economy

Authors

Ibrar Ahmad
Southwest University of Political Science and Law, China
https://orcid.org/0009-0001-0846-0218
Jamil Afzal
International Islamic University Malaysia
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5640-0578
Siraj Ahmad
Tianjin University, Tianjin China
https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3040-7956

Synopsis

This chapter delivers a detailed analysis of the legal frameworks underpinning the global hydrogen economy, focusing in particular on international legal systems and comparative national strategies. This chapter commences by considering the functions of primary international legislative instruments, i.e., multilateral treaties and conventions, for the regulation of international hydrogen trade (cross-border movement of hydrogen) and the role they play in promoting international cooperation. Key agreements such as the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (CISG) and WTO frameworks set the baseline rules for cross-border hydrogen deals, common rules on certification, trade, and compliance. These international legal frameworks are an essential way of facilitating the frictionless flow of hydrogen-related technologies and resources internationally, given the inherently cross-border aspects of hydrogen production and trade. The chapter then shifts to examining how different jurisdictions, including the EU, the US, and India, have formulated regulatory approaches to regulate hydrogen technologies. Through the analysis of the way national legal systems have transposed international standards to the domestic level, the chapter points out the varied regulatory solutions and the range of legal instruments that foster the development of hydrogen.

Author Biographies

Ibrar Ahmad, Southwest University of Political Science and Law, China

Ibrar Ahmad is a PhD scholar in law at Southwest University of Political Science and Law, China, specializing in climate justice, environmental governance, and the legal frameworks that support sustainable development. His academic work addresses critical global challenges, with a particular focus on the role of legal structures in climate action and green energy transitions. Ibrar has contributed to a range of peer-reviewed journals, exploring judicial activism, environmental protection, and the legal implications of emerging technologies. His research also delves into the intersection of law and sustainability, highlighting the need for more effective global governance in addressing environmental issues. In addition to his academic achievements, Ibrar is an experienced lawyer currently practicing in China. He has worked with prestigious law firms, including his role as an associate advocate at King and Capital Law Firm in China, where he combines his legal expertise with cross-border legal practice.

Jamil Afzal, International Islamic University Malaysia

Dr. Jamil Afzal has been involved in research and teaching for various National and International institutes for more than ten years. He is the author of three books and a contributor/associate editor in two others, as well as the author of various high-ranking journal articles; he has also participated in reputable international conferences.  He is an expert in Digital Law, the Digital Economy, the Hydrogen Economy, and the Legal Phenomenon of Digitalization. Dr. Jamil Afzal founded Contemporary Theory of Digitalization (CToD); CToD consists of three levels, including 3Ds at the first and 5Ds at the second level, and 7Ds at the third level. He is the Principal Ethical Editor at the International Research and Publishing Academy (IRAPA) for its associated journals, and the Executive Director at Ahbab Lawer Forum & Research Society. He is the academic editor of PLOS ONE Journal, along with a peer reviewer of different international journals. He is listed in the top 2% of scientists working on “legal fundaments” (RIS of Dr. Jamil Afzal is higher than 98% of researchers working on “legal fundaments” around the world- RG Ranking 2025).

Siraj Ahmad, Tianjin University, Tianjin China

Siraj Ahmad is a Ph.D. scholar in Chemical Engineering at Tianjin University, specializing in advanced membrane technologies for N2/CH4 gas separation. He conducts his research under the supervision of Professor Wang Zhi at the Chemical Engineering Research Center and the Tianjin Key Laboratory for Membrane Science and Desalination Technology. His work focuses on the design and development of high-performance mixed matrix composite membranes for energy-efficient gas separation processes. In addition to his doctoral research, Siraj contributes extensively to the Advanced Instrument Analysis and Testing Center, part of the School of Chemical Engineering and Technology at Tianjin University. Here, he supports research and education by assisting visiting scholars and international researchers with advanced analytical techniques and instrumentation. Siraj’s work reflects a strong commitment to innovation in membrane science, sustainability in gas separation, and international academic collaboration.

Published

August 16, 2025

How to Cite

International and Comparative Law Perspectives of Hydrogen Economy. (2025). In Legal Framework of Green Hydrogen Production and Hydrogen Economy for Sustainable Development (pp. 54-88). Scientific Collaborative Online Publishing Universal Academy. https://doi.org/10.64060/978-627-7898-00-7-3