From low-carbon hydrogen routes to some of hydrogen’s key applications, IDTechEx’s portfolio of Hydrogen Research Reports and Subscriptions covers the full hydrogen value chain, providing the latest research on key players, technology benchmarking, and forecasts.
Green and blue low-carbon hydrogen
Green hydrogen is produced with water electrolysis and is arguably the most desirable type of hydrogen due to the environmental benefits of its production when compared with other hydrogen production methods. Green hydrogen offers the advantage of being produced using renewable energy rather than fossil fuels. However, the high costs of electrolyzers and supporting infrastructure are expected to limit its availability. Regulations aimed at supporting green hydrogen production, explored in IDTechEx’s report, “Green Hydrogen Production & Electrolyzer Market 2027-2037: Technologies, Players, Forecasts”, may address this challenge.
With the use of electricity generated by renewable energy inside an electrolyzer, water is split into hydrogen and oxygen. Once the hydrogen has been separated, it undergoes purification and compression processes in order to be utilized and stored. IDTechEx’s report explores alkaline (AEL), anion exchange membrane (AEMEL), proton exchange membrane (PEMEL), and solid-oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC) as the four main electrolyzer technologies in the market, each with its operating temperature rate and conditions.
Other low-carbon routes are also being explored. Blue hydrogen is produced through conventional natural gas-based processes, with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies used to capture the resulting carbon dioxide emissions and limit their release into the atmosphere. IDTechEx’s report, “Blue Hydrogen Production and Markets 2026-2036: Technologies, Forecasts, Players”, highlights the need for such alternative low-carbon hydrogen production routes, as high electrolyzer costs, high electricity demand, and solar or wind energy intermittency remain challenges of green hydrogen production. Blue hydrogen can also make use of existing natural gas infrastructure in the short to medium term. As hydrogen demand continues to ramp up, blue hydrogen will be a necessary transition solution between grey and green hydrogen, offering faster deployment with the availability of natural gas feedstocks and infrastructure, and staying in line with decarbonization regulations where possible.
Low-carbon hydrogen is seeing increased regulatory drivers, as well as commercial and technological drivers, all pushing towards the decarbonization of the sector. Across countries, certain hydrogen strategies are in place which include targets for hydrogen project development, while carbon pricing policies can further incentivize the uptake of low-carbon hydrogen. Tax credits and other methods of financial support from governments may also make it easier for companies to transition to cleaner hydrogen. Additionally, large private sector investments and the exploration of business models and opportunity are also opening up room for growth within the hydrogen sector. From a technological standpoint, advanced production processes could improve process efficiencies and reduce hydrogen costs in the long-term, making low-carbon hydrogen more accessible.
Hydrogen and transportation
Fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) are an alternative to internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which generate harmful emissions into the environment. Fuel cells see hydrogen reacting with oxygen to produce electrical energy, heat, and water, meaning the only direct emission from FCEVs is water vapour. IDTechEx’s report, “Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles 2025-2045: Markets, Technologies, Forecasts”, explores the different types of fuel cells used within vehicles, and ongoing developments needed to expand hydrogen refuelling infrastructure.
Decarbonization efforts within the transportation sector have been ongoing for some time, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also being a favored alternative to ICE vehicles. IDTechEx’s extensive portfolio of Electric Vehicles Research Reports and Subscriptions covers a whole range of vehicle electrification technologies, from cars and vans to micro EVs. However, issues with energy density across certain battery types present FCEVs as a more suitable alternative for vehicles needing more range and faster refuelling times, particularly for heavy-duty trucks and buses that operate for extended periods. IDTechEx’s report, “Sustainable Future Aviation 2025-2045: Trends, Technologies, Forecasts”, also explores the use of hydrogen within planes to decarbonize the wider transportation sector.
