Global cumulative investment in clean hydrogen projects has topped $130 billion, as governments increasingly view the fuel as a tool for energy security and industrial growth alongside decarbonisation, the Hydrogen Council said on Thursday. The milestone was announced in the industry group’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report, released alongside the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo.
The investment spans more than 570 committed projects supporting approximately 6.9 million metric tons per year of clean hydrogen production capacity, according to the report. Notably, about 90% of these projects are either under construction or already operational. Operational capacity has jumped by 70% this year to 1.7 million metric tons per annum and is set to double next year as projects under construction come online.
China accounts for more than half of global committed renewable hydrogen capacity, cementing its dominant position in the sector. Europe ranks second in investment, while the United States leads in low-carbon hydrogen deployment, the report said. The findings underscore how the clean hydrogen landscape is being reshaped by regional policy priorities and industrial strategies.
The surge in investment reflects a structural shift in how governments view clean hydrogen. While decarbonisation remains a core driver, the oil and gas supply shock triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict has elevated energy security to a primary motivation for hydrogen investment. Policies already in force could support 6 million tons of annual hydrogen demand by 2030, with another 5 million tons possible if governments fully implement existing measures, according to the council.
The report’s release at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo signals growing international coordination on hydrogen policy. The Hydrogen Council, a global CEO-led initiative, has been tracking the sector’s rapid expansion as countries from Europe to Asia develop national hydrogen strategies and deployment frameworks. The findings come at a time when high oil prices — Brent crude has risen about 60% in 2026 — are accelerating the business case for alternative fuels.
Looking ahead, the Hydrogen Council expects the pace of capacity additions to accelerate significantly. With operational capacity set to double by 2027 and a robust pipeline of committed projects, clean hydrogen is transitioning from pilot-scale demonstrations to commercial-scale deployment. Key areas to watch include the outcome of South Korea’s planned clean hydrogen power auctions, Europe’s regulatory framework for hydrogen certification, and whether the U.S. can maintain its lead in low-carbon hydrogen deployment amid shifting policy landscapes.
Key entities: Hydrogen Council, Global Hydrogen Compass 2026, China, Europe, United States, Tokyo Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting, clean hydrogen, energy security
Source: reuters.com · 2026-09-10 · https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/global-clean-hydrogen-investment-tops-130-billion-amid-energy-security-push-2026-09-10/