Global Green Hydrogen Pipeline Market - 2024 - 2031

Report Overview

Global Green Hydrogen Pipeline Market reached US$ 4.79 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 40.40 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 30.54% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

A green hydrogen pipeline refers to the infrastructure designed for the transportation of green hydrogen gas from production sites to end-users or storage facilities. Governments and private players are funding large-scale projects to scale up hydrogen production and distribution. For instance, European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative is a prominent example of how growing investments in green hydrogen projects are driving the development of dedicated pipeline infrastructure.

Middle East's rapid expansion in planned hydrogen capacity, which has more than doubled year-on-year. The surge is accompanied by significant investment and the securing of final investment decisions for large-scale projects aiming to commence exports by 2030. Early shipments of blue and clean ammonia from the region to destinations like China, Japan and UAE showcase the region's growing export activity.

As global markets, including Japan and Korea, prepare to award subsidies and establish clean hydrogen specifications, Middle Eastern developers, backed by substantial capital, are poised to align their projects with these emerging standards, indicating a robust future for international clean hydrogen trade. Green hydrogen is poised to be a key component of global energy strategies, playing a crucial role in decarbonization efforts. As governments and industries acknowledge its potential to meet climate goals and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, policy support will become a major driver for the green hydrogen pipeline market.

Initiatives such as production tax credits and renewable hydrogen mandates are expected to significantly boost investment in hydrogen infrastructure. For instance, US government's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes a Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit, is anticipated to catalyze substantial investments in the development of hydrogen pipelines and related infrastructure.

Market Dynamics

Increasing Global Decarbonization Efforts

The global push for decarbonization, driven by climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, is accelerating green hydrogen adoption. Over 70 countries have committed to achieving net-zero emissions by mid-century and hydrogen is central to many of these plans. The hydrogen demand could reach 500 million metric tons annually by 2050, up from around 90 million tons in 2020, with green hydrogen accounting for a significant share of that growth.

With a new 3,300 km network spanning Austria, Germany, and Italy, Europe is significantly expanding its hydrogen pipeline network in addition to the 1,600 km of current pipelines. This new network, including the "SoutH2 Corridor," aims to link Europe with North Africa and is projected to deliver 40% of the hydrogen required to meet the EU's RePowerEU targets. By 2030, Europe plans to have 11,600 km of hydrogen pipelines, with an ambitious goal of nearly 40,000 km by 2040.

Technological Advancements in Hydrogen Transport

The development of advanced materials and technologies to safely and efficiently transport hydrogen, which has a smaller molecular structure and can cause embrittlement in traditional steel pipelines, is crucial for expanding green hydrogen infrastructure. Innovations in pipeline construction are making this expansion more feasible and cost-effective, paving the way for ambitious projects like the Holstebro-Hamburg pipeline between Denmark and Germany, expected to stretch 450 km.

Denmark is emerging as a leader in Europe's hydrogen pipeline development, projected to account for 35% of the world's new hydrogen pipelines between 2022 and 2026. By 2026, Denmark could have 800 km of hydrogen pipelines, positioning the country at the forefront of the global green hydrogen market.

Uncertain Demand for Green Hydrogen

The importance of green hydrogen in decarbonization plans is significant, but its popularity is still unclear because of expensive production and rivalry with alternative low-carbon technologies like battery storage. Although there is a projected increase in hydrogen demand, the adoption of green hydrogen in the market has been slow. In 2022, just 1% of the worldwide hydrogen supply is environmentally friendly, indicating a slower transition than anticipated.

The slow demand affects the financial feasibility of green hydrogen pipeline projects, especially in areas with low adoption rates. The ambiguity regarding demand complicates the ability to support major infrastructure investments, which are necessary for expanding production and cutting costs in the long run.

Segmentation Analysis

The global green hydrogen pipeline market is segmented based on Pipeline Material, Hydrogen Form, Location, End-User and Region.

Corrosion Resistance & Cost-Effective Plastic & Composite Pipelines are in Demand

The distinct requirements of transporting hydrogen effectively and safely are what drive the demand for plastic and composite pipelines in the green hydrogen pipeline market. These materials offer several advantages over traditional steel pipelines, particularly in the context of the emerging green hydrogen economy. Similarly, Plastic and composite pipelines are generally cheaper to manufacture and install than steel pipelines. The lighter weight of these materials reduces transportation and installation costs, making them an attractive option for large-scale hydrogen infrastructure projects.

Geographical Share

Ambitious Targets and Infrastructure Investments in Europe Region

Due to strong policy frameworks like the European Union's goal to produce 10 million metric tons of renewable hydrogen by 2030, Europe is at the forefront of the global green hydrogen market. The continent is heavily investing in hydrogen infrastructure, including the development of hydrogen hubs and large-scale electrolysis plants.

Europe's 2050 Low Carbon Strategy and the Green Pact for Europe further emphasize hydrogen's critical role in decarbonizing energy-intensive industries such as steel and chemicals. These ambitious initiatives are driving demand for hydrogen pipelines to facilitate the transport of hydrogen across the region, connecting production hubs with industrial consumers and export terminals.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include ArcelorMittal, Cenergy Holdings, Fichtner GmbH & Co. KG, GF Piping Systems Hexagon Purus, HyNet North West Hydrogen Pipeline, Pipelife International GmbH, Royal IHC, SoluForce and TUV SUD.

Sustainability Analysis

The global green hydrogen pipeline market holds substantial promise for reducing carbon emissions, as green hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy has a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to hydrogen derived from fossil fuels. Lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions for green hydrogen range between 0.6 to 3.0 kg CO2e per kg, well below the US Department of Energy's benchmark of 4 kg CO2e per kg for "clean" hydrogen.

Additionally, green hydrogen pipelines contribute to local environmental sustainability by eliminating local air pollutants and noise pollution, offering an eco-friendly alternative to transportation methods such as trucks and ships. The competitiveness of green hydrogen is expected to grow as production costs decrease due to technological advancements and economies of scale.

Policies such as tax credits and subsidies, especially in regions including Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific, will further enhance market competitiveness. The development of green hydrogen pipelines is economically sustainable through the establishment of long-term contracts that ensure market stability, attracting investors and accelerating the deployment of regional-scale projects. These factors combine to create a favorable economic environment for the growth of green hydrogen infrastructure.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The Russia-Ukraine war has significantly impacted the global green hydrogen pipeline market, primarily through its effect on energy prices and geopolitical stability. The war-induced energy crisis has caused electricity prices to soar, directly increasing the cost of green hydrogen production, as electricity is a crucial input.

The rise in production costs makes green hydrogen less competitive compared to traditional energy sources, potentially slowing the development of pipeline infrastructure. Geopolitical instability has also introduced uncertainty for investors, making them hesitant to commit substantial capital to large-scale green hydrogen projects, including the construction of pipelines.

Trade barriers resulting from sanctions and restrictions further complicate the global hydrogen trade, disrupting the flow of hydrogen and the technologies needed for its production and transport. Additionally, the war has intensified competition for renewable energy resources, such as land and water, which are essential for green hydrogen production. The competition adds another layer of complexity to the development of pipeline infrastructure necessary to support the global hydrogen market.

Pipeline Material

Metal

Plastic & Composite

Hydrogen Form

Gas

Liquid

Location

Onshore

Offshore

End-User

Industrial Manufacturing

Power Generation

Oil & Gas

Others

Region

North America

US

Canada

Mexico

Europe

Germany

UK

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

South America

Brazil

Argentina

Rest of South America

Asia-Pacific

China

India

Japan

Australia

Rest of Asia-Pacific

Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

In 2022, Hexagon Purus and Lhyfe collaborated to create green and renewable hydrogen for transportation and industrial use. Similarly, SoluForce BV made a deal with ADNOC to set up a production plant in Abu Dhabi for reinforced thermoplastic pipes and non-metallic solutions, enabling SoluForce to increase its production of H2T pipes in area.

In March 2021, Salzgitter AG partnered with BP, Evonik, Nowega, OGE, RWE and Thyssengas to create a hydrogen infrastructure that spans across borders. The collaboration's goal is to encompass the full value chain, starting from the production of green hydrogen to its transportation and utilization in industry, setting up the groundwork for a European green hydrogen network.

Why Purchase the Report?

To visualize the global green hydrogen pipeline market segmentation based on pipeline material, hydrogen form, location, end-user and region.

Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.

Excel data sheet with numerous data points of the green hydrogen pipeline market-level with all segments.

PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.

Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global green hydrogen pipeline market report would provide approximately 70 tables, 60 figures and 214 pages.

Target Audience 2024

Manufacturers/ Buyers

Industry Investors/Investment Bankers

Research Professionals

Emerging Companies