Global Clean Hydrogen Investment Crosses $130 Billion

Energy security and industrial growth are driving a new wave of investment in clean hydrogen.

Global cumulative investment in clean hydrogen projects has crossed $130 billion, reflecting growing government interest in hydrogen as a tool for energy security, industrial development and decarbonisation, according to the Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report. More than 570 committed projects are expected to support around 6.9 million tonnes per year of clean hydrogen production capacity. Nearly 90% of these projects are already under construction or operational, highlighting the sector’s accelerating development. China accounts for more than half of global committed renewable hydrogen capacity, while Europe ranks second in investment and the United States leads in low-carbon hydrogen deployment. Existing policies could support around 6 million tonnes of annual hydrogen demand by 2030, with another 5 million tonnes possible if current measures are fully implemented. However, high production costs and weak demand remain major challenges. Several green hydrogen projects have been delayed, scaled back or cancelled, particularly in steelmaking and long-distance transport.