Rapid Growth and Challenges: Global Hydrogen Review 2024
Key Ideas
- Global hydrogen demand increased by 2.5% in 2023, with a focus on refining and the chemical sector, mostly from fossil fuels. Low-emissions hydrogen production is on the rise with a potential of 49 Mtpa by 2030.
- Electrolysis projects are driving growth, with announced capacity reaching 520 GW. Final investment decisions have doubled, reflecting a fivefold increase in production by 2030, split between electrolysis and fossil fuels with CCUS.
- Fossil fuels with CCUS projects are gaining traction, particularly in North America and Europe. Potential production from these projects has more than doubled, reaching 1.5 Mtpa by 2030.
- The sector shows significant progress, but challenges remain in project implementation due to delays, cancellations, financial obstacles, regulatory uncertainties, and operational issues, requiring substantial growth to meet targets by 2030.
The Global Hydrogen Review 2024 highlights the growth and challenges in the global hydrogen sector. While demand continues to be driven by traditional sources like fossil fuels, there is a notable rise in low-emissions hydrogen production. Electrolysis projects are at the forefront of this growth, with significant announced capacity and increasing final investment decisions. Fossil fuel projects with carbon capture are also on the rise, especially in North America and Europe. Despite this progress, the sector faces hurdles in project execution, including delays and cancellations, financial barriers, regulatory complexities, and operational challenges. To achieve the projected targets by 2030, the sector needs to grow at an unprecedented rate, surpassing even the fastest expansion phases of solar PV. Clearer demand signals, improved financing mechanisms, regulatory clarity, and addressing operational issues are vital to overcoming these obstacles and realizing the full potential of the global hydrogen market.
Topics
Utilities
Energy Transition
Electrolysis
Global Market
Carbon Capture
Project Pipeline
Investment Decisions
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