Hydrogen Energy Storage Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2018-2028 Segmented By Product Type (Liquid, Solid, and Gas), By Application (Stationary Power and Transportation), By End User (Industrial and Commercial), By Region, By Competition

Market Overview

Global Hydrogen Energy Storage Market has valued at USD 12.08 billion in 2022 and is anticipated to project robust growth in the forecast period with a CAGR of 14.19% through 2028. The hydrogen energy storage market refers to the sector of the global energy industry focused on the storage and utilization of hydrogen as an energy carrier or medium for the efficient management of energy resources. This market encompasses a range of technologies and solutions designed to store surplus energy in the form of hydrogen, which can then be converted back into electricity or heat when needed. Hydrogen energy storage serves as a critical component in the transition toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape. It addresses the intermittency of renewable energy sources like wind and solar power by storing excess energy during periods of high generation and releasing it when energy demand is elevated or renewable energy production is low. This facilitates grid stability, supports decarbonization efforts, and enhances energy security. The market includes various hydrogen production methods, such as electrolysis, steam methane reforming (SMR), and biomass gasification, as well as storage solutions like compressed hydrogen gas, liquid hydrogen, and solid-state hydrogen storage materials. It finds applications across diverse sectors, including electricity generation, transportation, industrial processes, and grid-scale energy storage. As the world seeks cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions, the hydrogen energy storage market continues to grow, driven by technological advancements and evolving energy policies.

Key Market Drivers

Renewable Energy Integration

The global shift towards renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydropower, has catalyzed the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market. One of the key challenges with renewables is their intermittent nature; they generate electricity when the wind blows or the sun shines. Hydrogen energy storage addresses this issue by providing a means to store surplus energy during periods of high generation and release it when demand exceeds supply. This facilitates a reliable and continuous energy supply, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to a sustainable energy ecosystem. Renewable energy integration is not only essential for achieving environmental goals but also for ensuring a stable and resilient energy infrastructure. Hydrogen storage allows excess renewable energy to be stored efficiently and tapped into during periods of high demand or when renewable energy production is low, thereby mitigating grid instability issues.

Decarbonization and Climate Goals

The urgency to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a major driver of the hydrogen energy storage market. Hydrogen is a clean energy carrier when produced using renewable energy or low-carbon methods like electrolysis. This "green hydrogen" can be stored and utilized without emitting harmful pollutants or greenhouse gases. Many countries and regions have set ambitious decarbonization targets, which often include the increased use of hydrogen as a clean energy source. Hydrogen energy storage plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals by enabling the efficient storage and utilization of clean energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and contributing to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Energy Security

Energy security is a top priority for governments and industries globally. Hydrogen energy storage enhances energy security by providing a reliable backup during energy shortages or emergencies. It allows surplus energy to be stored for future use, ensuring a stable energy supply even in unpredictable situations. For critical infrastructure, remote regions, and industries with continuous energy needs such as healthcare and data centers, hydrogen energy storage offers a valuable solution for maintaining uninterrupted power supply. This security aspect drives the adoption of hydrogen energy storage technologies.

Transportation Revolution

The transportation sector is undergoing a significant transformation toward cleaner and more sustainable mobility options. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) are emerging as a viable zero-emission alternative to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Hydrogen energy storage is integral to the development of the hydrogen economy, supporting the growth of FCVs and enabling efficient and rapid refueling infrastructure. As governments worldwide introduce stricter emissions regulations and incentives for clean transportation, the demand for hydrogen energy storage in the transportation sector is expected to surge.

Industrial Applications

Hydrogen is a versatile energy carrier with applications across various industries, including metallurgy, chemicals, and refining. Industries are actively seeking ways to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs while improving overall operational efficiency. Hydrogen energy storage offers a solution for managing energy demand, optimizing production processes, and enhancing energy efficiency. By using hydrogen energy storage, industries can better control their energy usage, reducing costs and environmental impact. This driver stimulates the adoption of hydrogen energy storage technologies across industrial sectors.

Research and Technological Advancements

Continual research and innovation in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization are fostering the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market. Technological breakthroughs, such as advanced electrolysis techniques, solid-state hydrogen storage materials, and more efficient fuel cell technologies, are enhancing the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen energy storage systems. As these innovations mature and become commercially viable, they will drive further market expansion and make hydrogen energy storage an increasingly integral part of the global energy landscape.

In summary, the global hydrogen energy storage market is being propelled by the integration of renewables, decarbonization imperatives, energy security concerns, the transportation revolution, industrial applications, and ongoing technological advancements. These drivers collectively position hydrogen as a crucial element of the future energy ecosystem, facilitating a cleaner, more sustainable, and secure energy future.

Government Policies are Likely to Propel the Market

Renewable Energy Subsidies and Incentives

Government policies promoting renewable energy sources play a pivotal role in driving the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market. These policies typically include subsidies, tax incentives, and feed-in tariffs that encourage the adoption of renewable technologies, such as wind and solar power, which are essential for producing green hydrogen. In many countries, governments offer financial incentives to renewable energy producers, making the cost of green electricity competitive with conventional fossil fuel sources. This has a direct impact on hydrogen production via electrolysis, as it becomes more economically viable to use surplus renewable energy to produce hydrogen. These policies stimulate investment in hydrogen energy storage systems that can store excess green hydrogen for later use, contributing to grid stability and energy security. Moreover, some governments set renewable energy targets, mandating a specific percentage of total energy generation from renewable sources. This creates a sustained market demand for hydrogen energy storage as a means to balance the intermittent nature of renewables and ensure a reliable energy supply.

Hydrogen Roadmaps and Strategies

Many governments worldwide have developed comprehensive hydrogen roadmaps and national hydrogen strategies to guide the development and deployment of hydrogen energy technologies. These documents outline the government's vision, goals, and actions for advancing the hydrogen economy. A key aspect of these strategies is often the allocation of funding and incentives to support research, development, and deployment of hydrogen storage solutions. Governments also establish partnerships with industry stakeholders to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen storage technologies in various sectors, including transportation, industry, and energy production.

These strategic plans provide clarity and a long-term vision for the hydrogen energy storage market, giving investors and businesses confidence to invest in hydrogen storage infrastructure and technologies.

Carbon Pricing and Emissions Reduction Targets

To combat climate change, many governments implement carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, to incentivize emissions reduction. Hydrogen produced from renewable sources, stored efficiently, and used as a clean energy carrier can help industries and power plants reduce their carbon footprint. Incentives for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, which can be integrated with hydrogen production processes, are another facet of government policies aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By storing captured CO2 underground, these policies encourage the development of low-carbon hydrogen production methods. Hydrogen energy storage complements these policies by enabling the use of hydrogen in various sectors as a clean, low-carbon energy source, thereby contributing to achieving emissions reduction targets.

Energy Storage Mandates and Grid Integration

Government policies often mandate the inclusion of energy storage solutions, including hydrogen storage, in the energy grid infrastructure. These mandates aim to enhance grid reliability, reduce the impact of intermittent renewable energy sources, and support the integration of distributed energy resources. Some governments require utilities and grid operators to include a certain percentage of energy storage capacity in their portfolios, ensuring a resilient and flexible grid. Hydrogen energy storage systems can play a crucial role in meeting these mandates, providing long-duration storage capabilities and helping to stabilize the grid during peak demand periods or emergencies. Additionally, policies may establish technical and safety standards for hydrogen storage systems to ensure their safe and reliable integration into the grid.

Investment and Funding Programs

Governments often allocate substantial funding for research, development, and commercialization of hydrogen energy storage technologies. These programs are typically aimed at fostering innovation, reducing technology costs, and accelerating market adoption. Financial support can come in the form of grants, loans, or venture capital investments in hydrogen storage startups and projects. Government-backed funding programs stimulate private-sector investment, reduce the risks associated with developing new technologies, and facilitate the deployment of hydrogen storage solutions. These policies are instrumental in driving innovation and cost reduction in the hydrogen energy storage market, making it more attractive to businesses and investors.

Transportation Incentives

To promote the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and support the development of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, governments often implement a range of incentives and policies. These policies may include tax incentives for FCV purchasers, subsidies for hydrogen production and distribution infrastructure, and regulatory measures such as emissions standards that encourage the use of clean transportation technologies. As hydrogen FCVs gain popularity and become a more common mode of transportation, the demand for hydrogen energy storage systems to support hydrogen production and distribution will continue to grow, making these policies essential in shaping the future of the hydrogen energy storage market.

Key Market Challenges

Cost Competitiveness and Infrastructure Development

One of the most significant challenges hindering the widespread adoption of hydrogen energy storage is the cost competitiveness compared to alternative energy storage technologies, particularly lithium-ion batteries. The production and storage of hydrogen are generally more expensive and less energy-efficient than traditional battery systems. One major cost factor is the electrolysis process used to produce hydrogen. Electrolyzers require large amounts of electricity, which can be costly if generated from renewable sources or low-carbon methods. Additionally, the materials and components used in electrolysis systems can be expensive, further driving up the overall cost of hydrogen production. Furthermore, hydrogen storage and transportation require specialized infrastructure, including pipelines, storage tanks, and distribution networks, which can be costly to build and maintain. Developing a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure is a substantial upfront investment that can deter governments and businesses from committing to the technology. The high initial costs associated with hydrogen energy storage systems and infrastructure can create a barrier to entry for many potential users. In contrast, lithium-ion batteries have seen significant cost reductions over the past decade, making them a more financially attractive option for short-duration energy storage applications.

Addressing the cost competitiveness challenge is essential for the hydrogen energy storage market to thrive. Governments and industry stakeholders must collaborate to invest in research and development, promote economies of scale, and implement policies and incentives that reduce the cost of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation. As technology advances and production methods improve, hydrogen is expected to become more cost-competitive, but overcoming this challenge remains a critical hurdle.

Energy Conversion Efficiency and Storage Duration

Another significant challenge facing the global hydrogen energy storage market is the issue of energy conversion efficiency and the need for long-duration energy storage solutions. Hydrogen energy storage systems face losses at multiple stages of the energy conversion process. First, during the production of hydrogen through electrolysis or other methods, a portion of the input energy is lost as waste heat. Then, when hydrogen is converted back into electricity using fuel cells or combustion, additional energy is lost as heat. These energy losses can reduce the overall efficiency of the system, making it less attractive compared to other energy storage technologies that may have higher round-trip efficiency. Additionally, hydrogen's energy density is lower than that of many other energy storage mediums, which limits its ability to store large quantities of energy in compact spaces. This poses a challenge for applications that require long-duration energy storage, such as grid-scale energy storage to address seasonal variations in renewable energy production or to provide backup power during extended periods of low energy generation. To address these challenges, researchers and engineers are actively working to improve the efficiency of hydrogen production and conversion technologies, develop advanced hydrogen storage materials, and design innovative energy storage systems that can better accommodate long-duration storage needs. Innovations in these areas are essential for making hydrogen energy storage more competitive and attractive for a broader range of applications.

In conclusion, while hydrogen energy storage holds great promise for a sustainable energy future, it faces challenges related to cost competitiveness and energy conversion efficiency. Overcoming these hurdles will require ongoing research, development, and collaboration among governments, industries, and research institutions. As these challenges are addressed, hydrogen energy storage has the potential to play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a cleaner and more reliable energy system.

Segmental Insights

Product Type Insights

The Gas segment had the largest market share in 2022 & expected to maintain it in the forecast period. Gaseous hydrogen storage methods offer relatively high energy density compared to solid-state storage methods. This means that a significant amount of hydrogen can be stored in a relatively small volume, making it suitable for various applications, including industrial processes and energy storage. Compressed hydrogen gas and liquid hydrogen storage are well-established and mature technologies. They have been used for decades in various industries, including the aerospace and chemical sectors. This maturity has led to well-developed infrastructure and equipment for these storage methods. Gas-based storage methods are highly scalable, making them suitable for both small-scale and large-scale applications. This scalability is essential for meeting the diverse needs of different industries and energy storage projects. Gaseous and liquid hydrogen are relatively easy to transport compared to solid-state storage materials. Hydrogen can be compressed or liquefied, loaded onto trucks or pipelines, and transported to where it is needed, which is crucial for supplying hydrogen to various end-users. Gas-based storage methods provide flexibility in terms of how hydrogen is used. It can be easily converted back into electricity or used in a wide range of industrial processes, such as hydrogen fuel cells for vehicles, power generation, and chemical production. In many regions, there is already an existing infrastructure for hydrogen storage in the form of compressed gas storage facilities and liquid hydrogen production and distribution networks. This makes it more convenient and cost-effective to use gas-based storage methods.

Application Insights

The Stationary Power segment had the largest market share in 2022 and is projected to experience rapid growth during the forecast period. Stationary power applications, such as using hydrogen fuel cells for electricity generation, play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources like wind and solar into the grid. Hydrogen can store excess energy generated during times of high renewable energy production and release it when demand exceeds supply, helping to stabilize the grid. Hydrogen is seen as a viable energy storage solution, especially for large-scale applications. It can store energy over extended periods, making it suitable for load balancing and ensuring a reliable power supply when intermittent renewable sources are not generating electricity. Hydrogen fuel cells can provide reliable backup power in critical applications, such as data centers, hospitals, and emergency response centers. These applications value the uninterrupted power supply that hydrogen can offer during grid outages. Hydrogen fuel cells can be deployed in decentralized energy systems, reducing the need for centralized power plants and long-distance transmission lines. This can improve energy resilience and reduce transmission losses. In some regions, governments have incentivized the use of hydrogen in stationary power applications as part of their efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. Subsidies, tax incentives, and favorable regulations can promote the adoption of hydrogen for stationary power. Hydrogen is used as a feedstock in various industrial processes, including chemical manufacturing and refining. Stationary hydrogen power generation can provide a stable source of hydrogen for these industries. Many organizations and governments are striving to achieve carbon neutrality or reduce carbon emissions. Hydrogen, when produced from renewable sources using electrolysis, can be a clean and carbon-neutral fuel, aligning with sustainability goals. Research and development efforts in stationary power applications, including improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of hydrogen fuel cells, have contributed to their increased adoption.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific region is expected to be the largest market for hydrogen energy storage in the coming years, due to the following factors

Strong growth of the renewable energy sectorThe Asia Pacific region is home to some of the fastest growing renewable energy markets in the world. This is driving the demand for hydrogen energy storage technologies, which can be used to store excess renewable energy.

Increasing government support for hydrogen technologiesMany governments in the Asia Pacific region are supporting the development of hydrogen technologies. This is creating a favorable environment for the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market.

Growing demand for hydrogen fuel cells in transportationHydrogen fuel cells are a zero-emissions alternative to internal combustion engines. The growing demand for hydrogen fuel cells in the transportation sector is driving the demand for hydrogen energy storage technologies.

Europe

The European market is also expected to grow significantly in the coming years, driven by the following factors

EU's commitment to decarbonize its economyThe European Commission has set a target of achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Hydrogen is seen as a key technology to help achieve this goal.

Strong presence of hydrogen fuel cell manufacturersEurope is home to some of the leading hydrogen fuel cell manufacturers in the world. This is creating a favorable environment for the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market.

Increasing government support for hydrogen technologiesMany governments in Europe are supporting the development of hydrogen technologies. This is creating a favorable environment for the growth of the hydrogen energy storage market.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, GKN Hydrogen announced the operation of a metal hydride hydrogen storage microgrid project. The project is located in the Circle Green Technical Park in the UK and is supported by the UK government.
• In December 2022, Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and The AES Corporation invested around USD 4 billion to construct the largest green hydrogen production plant in the U.S., scheduled to start operations in 2027.
• In November 2022, the European Investment Bank (EIB) agreed to provide a USD 107.28 million loan to Hy24, a European hydrogen investment platform. The loan will be used to finance hydrogen projects in Europe.
• In October 2022, the Hydrogen Council, a global industry association, announced that it had raised USD 10 billion to invest in hydrogen projects. The funding will come from a consortium of companies, including Shell, Toyota, and Siemens.
• In September 2022, the U.S. Department of Energy announced that it would invest USD 500 million in hydrogen research and development. The funding will be used to support projects in areas such as hydrogen production, storage, and transportation.

Key Market Players

• Air Liquide S.A.
• Linde Plc
• Praxair Inc
• Iwatani Corporation
• Nel ASA
• McPhy Energy SAS
• Siemens AG
• Toyota Motor Corporation
• Hyundai Motor Company
• Honda Motor Company Limited.