The hydrogen production market is not new; it has supplied industrial hydrogen for decades. The hydrogen production market is now being transformed by the shift from grey hydrogen to green hydrogen, and PEM electrolysis is a key technology in this transition.
The Old Guard: Grey Hydrogen
The [LSI keyword: hydrogen production market] has been dominated by steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas. SMR produces hydrogen (H2) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The hydrogen production market for "grey" hydrogen is the largest by volume. The hydrogen production market for "blue" hydrogen (SMR with carbon capture and storage – CCS) is a lower-carbon alternative. The hydrogen production market for "blue" is growing, but still small. The hydrogen production market for "green" (electrolysis) is the smallest, but the fastest-growing. The hydrogen production market for "brown" (from coal gasification) is used in China. The hydrogen production market for "pink" (from nuclear power) is a niche. The hydrogen production market for "turquoise" (methane pyrolysis, producing hydrogen and solid carbon) is an emerging technology.
The hydrogen production market for "SMR" has a lower cost than green hydrogen (currently), but higher CO2 emissions. The hydrogen production market for "carbon pricing" (a tax on CO2) will make green hydrogen more competitive. The hydrogen production market for "low-carbon" hydrogen standards (such as the EU's certification scheme) will define what qualifies as "green" or "low-carbon".
Green Hydrogen's Growing Share
The hydrogen production market for "electrolysis" is expected to grow rapidly. The hydrogen production market for "PEM" is favored for projects coupling with renewables. The hydrogen production market for "alkaline" is favored for large, steady-state projects. The hydrogen production market for "SOEC" is favored for high-temperature industrial applications (where waste heat is available). The hydrogen production market for "centralized" production (large electrolysis plants) and "decentralized" (smaller, on-site electrolyzers) are both growing. The hydrogen production market for "distributed" generation (at fueling stations, or at industrial sites) is a key segment.
As the hydrogen production market continues to evolve, the focus will be on "matching" electrolyzer type to application, on "co-location" of electrolyzers with renewable generation (to reduce grid connection costs), and on "storage" to decouple production from demand. The PEM technology segment dominates the electrolyzer market . The hydrogen production market is the supply side of the hydrogen economy, and its transformation from grey to green is essential for decarbonization.
Explore key developments shaping industry transformation:
pipeline integrity management market
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