Top 10 Green Hydrogen Producing Countries
Green hydrogen hailed as a cornerstone in the shift towards a sustainable energy future, is increasingly under the spotlight as countries worldwide race to establish themselves as leaders in its production. Hydrogen production methods, particularly those leveraging renewable energy sources, are gaining momentum globally. Among these methods, electrolysis technology stands out as a key technology in the production of green hydrogen, facilitating sustainable energy production without harmful emissions.
The top 10 green hydrogen producing countries are at the forefront of developing robust green hydrogen infrastructure and implementing clean energy initiatives. Initiatives aimed at enhancing electrolyzer efficiency, implementing hydrogen storage solutions, adopting decarbonization strategies, and optimizing the hydrogen supply chain are integral parts of their renewable hydrogen production endeavors. Additionally, these countries are actively promoting the adoption of fuel cell technology by investing heavily in hydrogen economy to utilize green hydrogen as a carbon-neutral fuel for various applications.
Furthermore, these countries have formulated comprehensive renewable energy policies to incentivize renewable power generation and accelerate the integration of green hydrogen into their energy systems. Through ambitious green hydrogen projects and collaborations, they pave the way for a sustainable energy landscape characterized by reduced carbon emissions and enhanced energy security. The following are the top ten countries leading the way in green hydrogen production, showcasing their initiatives, projects, and contributions to the green hydrogen economy.
1. Germany
Germany is a global frontrunner in the green hydrogen market. Infrastructure development, including constructing hydrogen pipelines and refueling stations, is part of Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy. Germany is at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution due to billions of euros that the German government has set aside for infrastructure development, international collaboration, and hydrogen research. For instance, in May 2024, ThyssenKrupp’s Nucera project, which produces the electrolyzers, was backed by a German government fund worth USD 746 million. Overall, German state and federal governments have earmarked USD 14.19 billion for investment in about two dozen projects to develop hydrogen.
2. Japan
Japan has been at the forefront of green hydrogen technology for many years, primarily due to its worries about energy security. One of the biggest hydrogen production plants in the world, Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field (FH2R) in Japan, uses solar energy to manufacture hydrogen. The nation is also investing in hydrogen fuel cell technology; one well-known example of a hydrogen-powered car is Toyota's Mirai. For instance, the Japanese government updated its Basic Hydrogen Strategy in June 2023 to encourage green hydrogen business endeavours. This plan aims to invest about USD 98.8 billion (JPY 15 trillion) from 2024 to 2029 in nine essential technologies, such as fuel cells and water electrolysis devices.
3. Australia
Australia is becoming a major player in the green hydrogen industry swiftly by utilizing its abundant renewable energy availability. For instance, in October 2023, the Australian Government announced to invest USD 2.64 billion in the Hydrogen Headstart program. The program will provide revenue support for large-scale renewable hydrogen projects through competitive hydrogen production contracts.
Australia has abundant solar and wind energy, which makes it an ideal location to start producing green hydrogen. Hydrogen produced with renewable energy integration for export to Asian markets is the goal of initiatives like Western Australia's Asian Renewable Energy Hub. Additionally, the nation is looking into ways to modify its LNG infrastructure for exporting hydrogen.
4. The United States
Green hydrogen generation in the U.S. is rapidly progressing due to federal and state-level initiatives. To produce hydrogen, the Department of Energy (DOE) has set high standards and emphasized the use of renewable energy sources. For instance, to significantly lower the price of clean hydrogen and maintain American leadership in the expanding clean hydrogen market, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced in March 2024 that it will provide USD 750 million for 52 projects spread over 24 states.
5. China
China is rapidly expanding its green hydrogen industry as part of its broader efforts to reduce carbon emissions and combat air pollution. The Chinese government’s commitment to renewable energy and hydrogen technology is evident in its 14th Five-Year Plan, which includes significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure. For instance, according to the official broadcaster CCTV (2023), China has invested USD 42.04 billion (300 billion yuan) in the green hydrogen business, which generates hydrogen using renewable energy.
6. South Korea
South Korea is actively pursuing green hydrogen as part of its hydrogen economy. By 2040, the nation wants to dominate the world in green hydrogen technology, and it has set high goals for infrastructure growth, hydrogen vehicle adoption, and hydrogen generation. South Korea's efforts in renewable energy, especially offshore wind power, help to boost the country's generation of green hydrogen. The nation's attempts to incorporate green hydrogen into daily life are demonstrated by initiatives like the Ulsan Hydrogen Town, which has hydrogen-powered buses and residential fuel cells.
7. France
As part of its energy transition plan, France is making significant investments in green hydrogen. The large nuclear power infrastructure in France offers a low-carbon electrical source for the manufacture of hydrogen. To promote the creation of green hydrogen, the nation is also investing in renewable energy initiatives, including solar and wind power. With three main goals in sight by 2030, such as massive production of hydrogen through electrolysis, promotion of heavy-duty mobility powered by low-carbon hydrogen, and development of a fully integrated competitive sector—France has set out on an ambitious plan to become a leader in the field of green hydrogen. For instance, in 2023, France allocated a USD 7.53 billion financial plan to support all of the businesses engaged in the green hydrogen industry in order to fulfil this goal.
8. Spain
Spain is becoming a major participant in the green hydrogen market through its plentiful renewable energy sources. Launched in 2022, the Spanish government's Hydrogen Roadmap sets high infrastructure development and hydrogen generation goals. Spain's abundant solar and wind resources are the main drivers of its green hydrogen generation. The nation's potential is demonstrated by initiatives like the Iberdrola green hydrogen plant in Puertollano, which produces hydrogen using solar energy. The development of Spain's hydrogen sector is fueled by financing from the European Union and government support for hydrogen technologies. Spain's geographic location and capacity for renewable energy make it well-positioned to be a significant player in the green hydrogen sector.
9. Netherlands
The Netherlands is investing significantly in green hydrogen as part of its energy transition strategy. For instance, in April 2024, the Netherlands has allocated USD 860 million for electrolyzer innovations to achieve the 4GW capacity planned by 2030. An important part of this innovation is taking place in Europe’s largest open test facility for hydrogen, the Faraday Innovation Lab in Petten, north of Amsterdam. Additionally, its extensive offshore wind capacity supports the Netherlands’ green hydrogen production. Projects like the NortH2 project, which aims to produce green hydrogen using offshore wind power, highlight the country’s commitment to green hydrogen.
10. UK
The UK is making significant investments in green hydrogen as part of its 2050 goal to have net-zero carbon emissions. Launched in 2021, the UK government's Hydrogen Strategy sets high infrastructure development and hydrogen generation goals. The UK's large offshore wind capacity helps fuel its green hydrogen generation. The nation's potential is demonstrated by initiatives like the Tees Valley Hydrogen Hub, which intends to create hydrogen using offshore wind power. Additionally, the development of the hydrogen economy in the UK is fueled by the government's backing of hydrogen technology and the active involvement of the private sector. The United Kingdom's dedication to sustainable energy and hydrogen technology guarantees its position as a frontrunner in the green hydrogen industry.
Green hydrogen is becoming increasingly popular worldwide due to the pressing need to cut carbon emissions and move toward sustainable energy. These ten nations are setting the standard for green hydrogen generation via their creative initiatives, government backing, and involvement from the commercial sector. Their initiatives serve as a model for other nations to follow and support their own national energy goals.
The cost of producing green hydrogen is anticipated to go down as economies of scale and technological advancements bring it closer to par with other energy sources. The exchange of best practices, international cooperation, and sustained investment in infrastructure and research will all contribute to the global green hydrogen market's rapid growth.