The rapid fall in cost of solar and wind power technologies opens a new range of possibilities to decarbonise the global economy and cut carbon emissions from industry. Besides direct renewable heat and electrification, hydrogen-rich chemicals that are easy to store and transport could serve as feedstock, process agents and fuels. They could be produced in areas with abundant and cheap resources, and shipped to consuming centers, opening the prospects to a new kind of international energy trade. This Insights Paper examines emerging technology options, and reviews national and international policies that could foster their development and their deployment.