Press Releases

Merchant Hydrogen Global Markets Expand to Support Industrial Growth

December 06, 2018

WELLESLEY, Mass., Dec 6, 2018 – Merchant hydrogen markets are expanding due to the increased use of hydrogen fueling stations in numerous developed markets. According to the report “Merchant Hydrogen: Industrial Gas and Energy Markets,”the total annual U.S. production of merchant hydrogen was over 4.5 million metric tons (MMT) in 2017. In comparison, the total world production of merchant hydrogen was nearly 8.1 MMT.

According to BCC Research, U.S. production of merchant hydrogen will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.9%, approaching 6.8 MMT by 2023. Globally, merchant hydrogen production is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% and is expected to reach more than 11.8 MMT by 2023.

Research Highlights

  • Major market players include Air Products (APD), Praxair and Air Liquide (AIQUY).
  • Oil refineries are the biggest source of merchant hydrogen in the U.S., where they account for an estimated 56% of the total supply. Other industries include metals, food, electronics and glass.
  • Large-scale SMR plants that use natural gas feedstock produce over 90% of North American hydrogen.

“Natural gas and hydrogen are potential substitutes as vehicle fuels,”said  Andrew McWilliams, the report’s author.“Many distribution centers around the world use electric-drive forklifts for interior use to minimize emissions and noise. However, electric drives have several drawbacks. The batteries require recharging, which takes several hours. In addition, their maintenance and disposal is expensive. All of these tasks require manpower, which reduces plant productivity and increases cost. In addition, over time, the battery loses its lifting and drive capability such that toward the end of a shift it may have operational limitations. The fuel cell forklift carries sufficient hydrogen fuel to last a full shift and can refuel in a matter of minutes. Battery maintenance is eliminated, as is the additional labor required.”

Editors/reporters requesting analyst interviews should contact Eric Surber at press@bccresearch.com.

Merchant Hydrogen: Industrial Gas and Energy Markets( CHM042D )
Publish Date: Nov 2018    

Data and analysis extracted from this press release must be accompanied by a statement identifying BCC Research LLC as the source and publisher. For media inquiries, email press@bccresearch.com or visit www.bccresearch.com/media to request access to our library of market research.