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Hydrogen Economy
Overview
The hydrogen economy represents an envisioned future in which hydrogen is readily used as a source of clean energy. Hydrogen can be used to generate power using either fuel cells or combustion. Both processes are clean and do not generate any carbon emissions. However, the same cannot be said about hydrogen production, and nearly all commercially produced hydrogen is currently generated using fossil fuels. Cleaner forms of hydrogen exist but are relatively expensive. Coupled with the fact that hydrogen is also a relatively weak energy carrier, makes the process a somewhat less attractive fossil fuel alternative. Nevertheless, several unique use cases, such as renewable energy storage, on-site industrial power generation, and long-range mobility make hydrogen relevant in addressing the climate crisis.
Industry Updates
Market Sizing
The US Hydrogen Economy could reach USD 3.9–USD 9.0 billion by 2026
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COVID-19 IMPACT
Market Mapping
Clean Hydrogen dominates an industry full of seed-stage startups
Clean Hydrogen is the most active segment in the industry followed by Next-Gen Hydrogen Distribution, Hydrogen Fuel Cells, and Hydrogen Vehicles while Low-Carbon Hydrogen represents the segment with the fewest number of startups. The lack of growth-stage startups represents the nascent status of the industry with commercial applications only starting to gradually emerge.
The presence of a higher number of seed-stage startups suggests that these technologies are somewhat proven and the industry could heat up over the next few years as these companies go to market. There is also evidence of vertical expansion along the value chain with some clean hydrogen startups leveraging their electrolyzer technology to produce fuel cells and vice versa and also some clean hydrogen and hydrogen vehicle startups complementing their products with expansions into hydrogen distribution.
The Disruptors
Funding History
Incumbents
Several clean hydrogen and hydrogen-focussed fuel cell pioneers such as Ballard Power Systems, Plug Power, and NEL Hydrogen are already generating around USD 100 million or more in annual revenue. Almost all of these companies have developed their core technology in-house over years in operation. All of these companies, however, have yet to turn a profit.
Leading fossil-fuel based hydrogen (grey hydrogen) suppliers such as Linde, Air Liquide, and Air Products are also gradually decarbonizing their operations through low-carbon or clean hydrogen processes. Oil and gas majors such as BP, Shell, Eni, and Total Energies also have several ongoing clean hydrogen projects as a part of their sustainability commitments.
Automobile companies such as Toyota and Hyundai lead the hydrogen fuel cell electric (FCEV) space while Airbus is planning on developing the first hydrogen powered commercial aircraft.
Notable Investors
