Tokyo: Investment in committed clean hydrogen projects worldwide has crossed $130 billion, with more than 570 projects representing around 6.9 million tonnes a year of planned production capacity, as governments increasingly position hydrogen as a means to strengthen energy security and industrial growth, the Hydrogen Council said, Reuters reported.
More than 570 committed projects are supporting around 6.9 million tonnes per year of clean hydrogen production capacity, according to the industry group’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report released alongside the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo.
Around 90% of the committed projects are either under construction or already operational, the report said.
China accounts for more than half of the world’s committed renewable hydrogen production capacity, while Europe ranks second in terms of investment. The US leads in low carbon hydrogen deployment, according to the report.
The Hydrogen Council said policies already in force could support annual hydrogen demand of around 6 million tonnes by 2030. A further 5 million tonnes of demand could emerge if governments fully implement existing measures.
Despite the investment momentum, the clean hydrogen sector continues to face challenges. Developers have reduced investments and cancelled or postponed green hydrogen projects in several markets as high production costs and weak demand have affected the viability of projects.
The report highlights the gap between growing government support for hydrogen and the market conditions required to make projects commercially viable, Reuters stated.
