The Role of Captive Hydrogen Production in the US Industrial Sector
Key Ideas
  • In January 2023, the US had a captive on-purpose hydrogen production capacity of 2.9 million cubic feet per day, with 68% used in petroleum processing.
  • Hydrogen production in the US remained stable in 2023, contrasting with declines in other regions.
  • 21% of the hydrogen produced in the US was utilized in fertilizer manufacturing.
  • The primary method for hydrogen production in the US is steam methane reforming, tapping into the hydrogen content of natural gas.
In January of 2023, the United States had a captive on-purpose hydrogen production capacity of approximately 2.9 million cubic feet per day. This capacity represents hydrogen that is produced on-site for immediate use within an industrial setting. According to the US Department of Energy (DOE), a significant portion of this capacity, about 68%, was being utilized in petroleum processing activities. Interestingly, the 2023 capacity remained steady compared to the previous two years, showcasing stability in the US hydrogen production sector while other regions experienced production declines. Furthermore, the data revealed that a notable 21% of the hydrogen generated in the US was being employed in the manufacturing of fertilizers, emphasizing the diverse applications of hydrogen across industries. The predominant method for hydrogen production in the US is through steam methane reforming, a process that involves extracting and gathering hydrogen from natural gas streams. This information underscores the vital role of hydrogen in the US industrial landscape, especially in sectors like petroleum processing and fertilizer manufacturing. The stability in hydrogen production capacity in the US signifies a consistent supply of this crucial resource for various industrial processes, highlighting the reliability and importance of captive on-purpose hydrogen production within the country's energy framework.
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