Electrolyzer Market

Global Electrolyzer Market Forecast

• Global electrolyzer market size to reach around US$1.02 Bn in 2030, up from US$0.41 Bn attained in 2022
• Electrolyzers is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 13.8% during 2023 - 2030

Quick Report Digest

1. The key trend anticipated to drive the electrolyzer market growth is an increasing demand for fuel-cell vehicles. Furthermore, a larger hydrogen supply is needed as FCV adoption rises. Scaling up hydrogen production to satisfy the demands of an expanding FCV industry requires electrolyzers, especially high-capacity systems.
2. Another major market trend expected to drive the electrolyzer market growth is the rapidly expanding cost reduction efforts. Cost-competitive electrolyzers are more likely to be adopted widely for uses, including grid integration, industrial hydrogen generation, and hydrogen refueling stations, which drives market growth.
3. Competitors to electrolysis include coal gasification and steam methane reforming (SMR), both of which are used to produce hydrogen. These approaches might still be more economical in some areas, which hinders the development of electrolyzers.
4. In 2022, the alkaline electrolyzer (AE) category dominated the industry. Alkaline electrolyzers can be used in centralised or decentralised arrangements. Large-scale installations are frequently utilised in industrial settings, while smaller systems are integrated into renewable energy initiatives or are used in refuelling stations.
5. In 2022, the energy category dominated the industry. Hydrogen is used in gas turbines at some power plants to generate energy. With hydrogen, these turbines can run effectively, producing just water vapor as a byproduct.
6. During the forecast period, the 500-2,000 KW category is expected to grow significantly. Heavy-duty transportation uses hydrogen produced by medium- to large-scale electrolyzers, like fuel-cell-powered trucks and buses.
7. The European region is expected to dominate the electrolyzer market during the forecast period. The decarbonisation of industrial processes is a top priority in Europe, and electrolyzers are being used to produce clean hydrogen for sectors including steelmaking, chemicals, and refining.
8. Asia Pacific is expected to be the fastest growing electrolyzer market region. Strong public support for hydrogen and electrolyzer technology is a result of rising environmental consciousness and the demand for cleaner energy sources. Government and business action is encouraged by public demand for sustainable solutions.

A Look Back and a Look Forward - Comparative Analysis

The market for electrolyzers has grown as green hydrogen projects have attracted more funding. As hydrogen's potential applications grow in a variety of industries, including power generation, manufacturing processes in the steel and cement industries, fuel cells for electric vehicles, heavy transportation like shipping, green ammonia production for fertilizers, cleaning products, refrigeration, and electricity grid stabilisation, there is a resurgence of interest in green hydrogen projects.

The market witnessed staggered growth during the historical period 2018 - 2022. Electrolyzers have been used to balance the grid by absorbing extra power during times of high renewable energy production and releasing it during times of high demand. Guaranteeing a steady supply of energy-assisted in stabilizing the electrical grid.

In the past, as renewable energy sources like wind and solar electricity grew more integrated into the system, this grid-balancing function was essential. Electrolyzers were used for grid balancing and energy storage to make sure that excess electricity did not go to waste when renewable energy production exceeded demand. This reduced the amount of energy that was squandered.

Equipment failures or maintenance requirements can be detected before they result in expensive downtime with the aid of maintenance tools and predictive maintenance algorithms. Industries that depend on continuous hydrogen production must reduce downtime to the absolute minimum in the coming years.

Additionally, by reducing operational disruptions, better planning and scheduling of maintenance tasks, and ensuring that maintenance is carried out, when necessary, maintenance tools help.

Furthermore, Operators may monitor the performance of electrolyzer systems remotely thanks to remote monitoring capabilities, which decrease the requirement for on-site inspections and increase operational efficiency during the next five years.

Key Growth Determinants

• Increasing Demand for Green Hydrogen

Electrolyzer system deployment for hydrogen production has increased because of the expanding global need for green hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. Electrolyzers are essential for storing extra renewable energy.

When there is an excess of renewable electricity produced, electrolyzers can turn it into hydrogen, which can be stored and used when renewable sources are not generating electricity, ensuring a steady and predictable energy supply.

Many nations are making investments in the creation of a hydrogen economy, in which hydrogen acts as a flexible energy source for a variety of industries, including transportation, manufacturing, and power generation. The key component of this development is the electrolyzer.

• Increasing Renewable Energy Integration

Hydrogen may be produced with efficiency by electrolyzing excess electricity from intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. This aids in maximizing the use of clean energy that could otherwise be wasted during periods of low demand.

By absorbing extra power during times of strong renewable energy production and releasing it when demand exceeds supply, electrolyzers can function as tools for grid balancing. This improves the stability and dependability of the grid. Because electrolysis uses renewable energy, the hydrogen produced is safe and sustainable, supporting environmental and climate goals.

• Increasing Decarbonisation Initiatives

The production of pure hydrogen, which is necessary for decarbonisation activities, is made possible by electrolyzers, a critical technology. An appealing substitute for hydrogen made from fossil fuels is hydrogen produced using electrolysis because it emits no carbon dioxide.

Initiatives to reduce carbon emissions call for moving away from fossil fuels in several industries and power generation sectors. The ability to create hydrogen, a flexible energy carrier that potentially takes the place of fossil fuels in various industries, is made possible by electrolyzers.

Major Growth Barriers

• High Initial Costs

Especially for large-scale hydrogen production, the initial cost of purchasing and installing electrolyzer devices can be high. For enterprises and governments wishing to implement the technology, this expensive initial cost can be a significant hurdle, especially in areas with low financial resources.

Some places may have cheaper initial capital expenses for other hydrogen production techniques like coal gasification and steam methane reforming (SMR). Due to their competitive disadvantage, electrolyzers may be less appealing to businesses and investors looking for efficient ways to produce hydrogen.

• Competing Hydrogen Production Methods

Some conventional hydrogen production techniques, such as coal gasification and steam methane reforming (SMR), can be more economical, especially in areas with ready access to coal or natural gas supplies.

Electrolyzers may be less appealing to investors and potential customers because of this cost advantage. The hydrogen produced using conventional techniques may work better with the current hydrogen infrastructure. A barrier to switching to electrolysis is the potential need for substantial expenditures in new distribution or infrastructure systems.

Key Trends and Opportunities to Look at

1. Scaling up Electrolysis

Hydrogen may be produced at substantially higher rates by large-scale electrolyzer systems than by smaller ones. This is essential for supplying the rising demand for hydrogen across a range of industries, including transportation, industrial, and energy storage.

Power-to-gas projects, where surplus renewable energy is used to create hydrogen at scale, rely heavily on large-scale electrolyzers. The hydrogen can subsequently be used for a variety of industrial processes or fed into natural gas pipelines.

2. Pacing Development of Hydrogen Infrastructure

Electrolyzer demand is increasing as hydrogen infrastructure, such as hydrogen refuelling stations and hydrogen manufacturing facilities, develops. Key elements of these facilities that offer a sustainable source of hydrogen are electrolyzers.

The adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) is intimately related to the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure. Electrolyzers are an essential component of the infrastructure because they support the hydrogen supply chain for these vehicles.

Solutions for hydrogen storage are required as the hydrogen infrastructure grows. Especially for uses like hydrogen gas grids or power-to-gas projects, electrolyzers are essential for creating hydrogen for storage.

3. Technological Advancements

An increase in energy efficiency may result from improvements in the materials and design of electrolyzers. More effective electrolyzers use less electricity to produce the same amount of hydrogen, which lowers operating costs and makes the technology more appealing.

Cost savings are frequently a result of technological advancements. This is crucial for improving electrolyzers' ability to compete with alternative hydrogen generation techniques. Electrolyzers are more widely available to a wider range of consumers and sectors because of lower costs.

How Does the Regulatory Scenario Shape this Industry?

Over the last three years, the regulatory framework surrounding electrolyzers has varied by country and region. Still, there are several important regulatory entities and factors that influence the electrolyzer market globally. The demand for electrolyzers is significantly shaped by regulatory bodies in charge of energy laws and regulations. They decide incentives, tariffs, and standards pertaining to hydrogen and electrolysis technologies.

Energy regulation is carried out in the US by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The European Commission is responsible for establishing energy policies in the EU. Electrolyzer deployment requires the presence of safety regulations and certificates. Safety regulations for electrolysis equipment are created by groups like the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL).

Standards for hydrogen generation, storage, and transportation are made by international and national organisations like the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO). These standards influence the design and functionality of electrolyzers.

Fairfield’s Ranking Board

Top Segments

1. Alkaline Electrolyzers Win Preference over Solid Counterparts

The alkaline electrolyzer (AE) segment dominated the market in 2022. Alkaline electrolyzers are used in several industries, such as transportation, power-to-gas (P2G) projects, industrial operations, and energy storage. Due to their efficiency and dependability, they are especially well-suited for producing hydrogen on a big scale.

Alkaline electrolyzers have a wide variety of production capacities for hydrogen, from small-scale applications to massive industrial systems. Due to their adaptability, they are suited for a variety of end users.

Furthermore, the solid oxide electrolyzer (SOE) category is projected to experience the fastest market growth. High temperatures, usually between 500°C and 1000°C, are required for SOE systems to operate.

The solid oxide electrolyte must be at this high temperature to conduct ions effectively. The electrical efficiency of SOE technology is reported to be quite high, frequently reaching 80%. Faster ion mobility is made possible by the higher operating temperature, which lowers energy losses during the electrolysis process.

2. Energy Sector Leads Other End Users

The energy segment dominated the market in 2022. Hydrogen is created through electrolysis of water in electrolyzers. Fuel cells and combustion turbines, among other power generation techniques, can use this hydrogen as a fuel source.

Hydrogen produced by electrolyzers is used in fuel cells within CHP systems. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert hydrogen into electricity and heat with high efficiency and low emissions. They are a key component of CHP installations.

The grid injection category is anticipated to grow substantially throughout the projected period. By absorbing excess renewable energy during times of surplus and releasing it when demand exceeds supply, grid injection applications utilizing hydrogen can improve grid stability.

Hydrogen injection into natural gas systems must be of a high standard and be pure. It is necessary to preserve gas quality and safety. Hence, regulatory standards and guidelines are set.

3. More than 2000 KW Power Rating Preferred

The more than 2,000 KW segment dominated the market in 2022. Industries that need a lot of hydrogen, such as the production of steel, chemicals, and petrochemicals, frequently use large-scale electrolyzers. They offer a reliable source of hydrogen at a reasonable price for many processes.

Large electrolyzers are used for on-site hydrogen refinement in sectors that need high-purity hydrogen, such as semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. The 500-2,000 KW segment is anticipated to experience significant growth during the projection period.

Medium- to large-scale electrolyzers provide a nearby source of hydrogen for power production and grid support, which helps grid-connected microgrids.

Regional Frontrunners

Europe Remains at the Forefront

Europe is anticipated to lead the electrolyzer market throughout the projection period. The demands in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Denmark, Austria, Spain, the Netherlands, Norway, and the rest of Europe have all been investigated.

Currently, less than 2% of Europe's energy needs are met by hydrogen, which is primarily used to produce fertilizers and plastics. The remaining 96% of the continent's energy comes from natural gas, which creates a lot of CO₂ in the process.

Increased production of green power for small-scale rural applications, as well as green fuel due to increased demand for fuel cell vehicles, are the main factors driving the growth of the European electrolyzers market.

Asia Pacific Likely to Witness the Significant Growth in Sales During Forecast Period

The region with the fastest-growing market for electrolyzers is expected to be Asia Pacific. Many industrialised countries in Asia-Pacific have large needs for hydrogen in industries including metallurgy, refining, and chemicals. This industrial demand is driving the introduction of electrolyzers for large-scale hydrogen production.

Many nations in the Asia-Pacific area are quickly increasing their capacity for renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power. Renewable energy integration is a primary driver of electrolyzer growth since electrolyzers are essential for effectively turning excess renewable electricity into hydrogen.

Governments in the area have established ambitious energy transition goals to cut carbon emissions and advance clean energy sources. These goals are in line with hydrogen production from electrolysis of renewable resources, which promotes the use of electrolyzers.

Fairfield’s Competitive Landscape Analysis

The consolidated global market for electrolyzers has a reduced number of well-known players participating. The major companies are introducing new products and enhancing their distribution networks to broaden their market reach. Moreover, Fairfield Market Research is expecting the market to witness more consolidation over the coming years.

Who are the Leaders in the Global Electrolyzer Space?

• Siemens
• Nel ASA
• McPhy
• ITM Power
• Platinum Equity
• AREVA H2Gen
• Green Hydrogen Systems
• Enapter
• Taiyo Nippon Sanso Corporation
• SiClean Energy
• Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
• ErreDue
• Mitsubishi Power
• Teledyne Energy Systems
• Shandong Saikesaisi Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd.

Significant Company Developments

New Product Launches

• January 2023: The launch of the green hydrogen generator prototype was announced by the American company NewHydrogen. The prototype is expected to continue serving as a base for the company's future advancements in next-generation electrolyzer components.
• June 2022: A new green hydrogen electrolyzer plant with a capacity of 250 megawatts (MW) is being developed by the New Delhi-based renewable energy consultancy GreenZo Energy by the end of 2025. The company plans to spend between Rs. 300 and Rs. 400 crores on the development of the factory. It intends to import less essential equipment from India.
• May 2022: A 20 MW PEM electrolyzer plant owned and operated by Nel ASA has begun operations in Spain. It will be used to produce green hydrogen, which can lower CO2 emissions from the production of fertilizer.

Distribution Agreements

• March 2023: Uniper SE chose Plug Power Inc. to produce the electrolyzer technology for the Maasvlakte Energy Hub in the Netherlands. Accordingly, the business will provide the project with 10 readymade proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer series. Through this partnership, the company will be better positioned to serve the European market by providing much-needed energy security.
• January 2022: Logan Energy in Edinburgh and Green Hydrogen Systems have signed an agreement for the delivery of electrolysis equipment for a project in England. As part of ambitions to create a local hydrogen economy in Dorset, England, the electrolytic systems will be installed in a 40-foot container as a fully functional green hydrogen factory. Logan Energy runs these systems, which Green Hydrogen Systems make. The purchase includes two GHS HyProvide A90 systems with a combined capacity of 0.9 MW, which will be used to generate green hydrogen using renewable energy.

An Expert’s Opinion

Demand and Future Growth

As per Fairfield’s Analysis, smart control's effective integration of electrolyzers with intermittent renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar electricity, is one of its main benefits. These controls make sure that the electrolyzer runs when there is extra renewable energy available while limiting hydrogen production when there is insufficient renewable energy.

Furthermore, the use of hydrogen in the global energy transition is being promoted through international agreements and collaborations. The advancement of electrolyzer technology is being driven by these partnerships, which want to establish a global hydrogen economy. However, the electrolyzer market is expected to face considerable challenges because of high initial costs.

Supply Side of the Market

According to our analysis, Europe is the largest market for electrolyzers, accounting for over 50% of the global market in 2022. France, the United Kingdom, and Germany are the three countries in the region that produce the most electrolyzers. Electrolyzers are viewed as a critical technology for achieving the ambitious renewable energy deployment goals established by the European Union.

The industry of electrolyzers has received support from the EU for research and development as well. By accounting for more than 30% of the global market share in 2022, the Asia Pacific area will be the second-largest market for electrolyzers.

China is the region's top producer and consumer of electrolyzers. Additional important regional markets include Japan, South Korea, and India.  Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of electrolyzers, accounting for over 40% of global consumption in 2022. China is the largest single-country consumer of electrolyzers, accounting for over 23% of global consumption in 2022.

Global Electrolyzer Market is Segmented as Below:

By Technology:

• Alkaline Electrolyzer (AE)
• Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM)
• Solid Oxide Electrolyzer (SOE)
• Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM)
• Other

By Application:

• Energy
  • Power Generation
  • CHP
• Mobility
• Industrial
  • Chemical
  • Industries
• Grid Injection
• Electronics
• Other

By Power Rating:

• Less than 500 KW
• 500-2,000 KW
• More than 2,000 KW

By Geographic Coverage:

• North America 
  • U.S. 
  • Canada 
• Europe 
  • Germany
  • U.K.
  • France
  • Italy
  • Turkey
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe 
• Asia Pacific 
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • India
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America 
  • Brazil 
  • Mexico 
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America 
• Middle East & Africa  
  • GCC 
  • South Africa
  • Egypt
  • Nigeria
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa