Clean Hydrogen Investment Tops $130 Billion

Kathmandu: Global investment in clean hydrogen projects has surpassed US$130 billion, as countries increasingly turn to the fuel to strengthen energy security, drive industrial growth and cut carbon emissions.

According to the Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led alliance of around 140 companies from the energy, transport and industrial sectors, more than 570 committed projects worldwide are expected to support around 6.9 million metric tons of annual clean hydrogen production capacity.

“About 90 percent of the projects are either under construction or operational,” the council said in its recently released Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report.

China accounts for more than half of the world’s committed renewable hydrogen capacity, while Europe ranks second in investment. The United States leads in the deployment of low-carbon hydrogen, according to the report.

The council estimates that policies already in force could support 6 million tons of annual hydrogen demand by 2030. A further 5 million tons could be added if governments fully implement existing measures.

The figures highlight the growing role of clean hydrogen in global efforts to decarbonize energy-intensive industries while improving energy security.