Hydrogen is just an energy transport. Creating hydrogen is a net energy loss.
I expect the theory is that it is a lesser net loss than batteries and could replace them as a storage medium.
If only we could find hydrogen in a more concentrated form, like a thick viscous liquid that we could refine it out of.
Second Law of Thermodynamics: You can't even break even.
True in all energy conversions but the energy may be in a more useful form.
Yes, but it has one major benefit. If we use the surplus solar or wind to create it (or create directly with solar), then it provides energy storage. Right now renewables are becoming economically worthless without storage. There are times when wind power is dumped. Colorado utilities now require wind turbines to be under their control so they can turn them off.
Exactly, but charging a battery is also a net energy loss. The question is whether this technology can be made “more efficient” (cheaper? more energy-dense?) than a battery.