Brújula Global del Hidrógeno 2026

Hydrogen has a renewed strategic value in enabling system-wide resilience and industrial growth alongside decarbonization

The drivers of hydrogen uptake are shifting as energy security, resilience, and industrial growth have gained importance alongside decarbonization. The combination of drivers varies by geography: over 60% of committed investment is in regions where security and growth match or exceed decarbonization as primary motivations. Localized clean hydrogen and derivative production could enable import-dependent nations to diversify energy and feedstock supply and develop strategic reserves.

Investment and capacity continue to grow with majority of increases in China and Europe

This year, committed clean hydrogen investment increased to $130 billion, corresponding to 6.9 Mtpa of committed capacity across over 570 projects, of which 90% are under construction or operational. Operational capacity grew 70% to approximately 1.7 Mtpa and is projected to reach about 3.8 Mtpa next year as projects under construction come online.

China leads on renewable hydrogen: it accounts for over half of global committed renewable hydrogen capacity and the majority of new operational renewable capacity since 2025. Europe now follows as the second-largest region by committed investment, and leads in overall project count. The U.S. continues to lead in low-carbon deployment, making up over 75% of committed low-carbon capacity globally.

Implementing existing policies could nearly double firm demand by 2030

By 2030, 6 Mtpa of demand is supported by policies already in force (e.g., RED III transport quotas transposed into national law, ETS/CBAM as currently implemented). The majority of this demand is matched to supply, with 4.2 Mtpa of binding offtake contracted, 75% of which for existing hydrogen uses like refining and ammonia.

In addition to these 6 Mtpa, another 5 Mtpa of demand could materialize if existing policies are fully implemented (e.g., RED III industry targets are transposed across the EU Member States) although timing and execution of policies would dictate whether such demand could still materialize by 2030.