Hydrogen Production Technologies

Hydrogen Production Equipment/Component Manufacturers and R&D Institutions

As each country around the world has formed hydrogen strategies, R&D investments in hydrogen, supply-chain demonstrations, and financial incentives to hydrogen applications are accelerating. Russian invasions to Ukraine in February 2022 have dramatically changed the energy situations worldwide, and the perception of using hydrogen as energy is suddenly becoming a reality.

In such a situation, Japan has revised the Hydrogen Basic Strategy in June 2023 to expand the deployment of water electrolysis equipment at Japanese companies worldwide to approximately 15GW by 2030. The revised Strategy has also included new plans to strengthen the competitive edge in the hydrogen industry, including the incentives for augmenting the abilities to produce water electrolysis and components. Under the Strategy, the momentum for investments by public and private sectors are likely to increase furthermore.

On the other hand, there are a series of gigantic hydrogen production plants announced to be constructed. In anticipation of expanding hydrogen demand, water electrolysis apparatus manufacturers overseas are about to organize a GW-level production system. Among them, Chinese companies, that swept in the solar cells taking advantages of cost competitiveness, are stimulating capital investment to gain hegemony in water electrolysis equipment as well. As for methane pyrolysis technology, there are plans to launch operation of commercial plants in series mainly by manufacturers in the US and Europe.

Hereafter, competition to gain supremacy in hydrogen production is sure to becomes fiercer among the US, Europe, China, and Japan. While Japan commences commercial operation of hydrolysis equipment in around 2025, to win in technology as well as in business over the rival countries that go ahead, it is indispensable to industrialize in an early period based on economic rationality.

This report gives insights into study outcome and R&D trends at companies and institutes on hydrogen production technologies, analyzes practical application challenges and provides market perspectives until 2040.

I    Future Perspectives on Hydrogen Production Technology

• Progress observed in forming hydrogen strategies and related regulations worldwide.
• Japan is required to enhance incentives for companies related to hydrogen production.
• It is pursuing of economic rationality throughout the supply chain from raw materials to components and to electrolytic cells that realizes industrialization of hydrogen production and improvement in competitive edge.

II     Status of Hydrogen Production Technologies

1. Hydrogen-Related Policies Worldwide
   1) Hydrogen-Related Policies in Japan
   2) Hydrogen-Related Policies in Europe
   3) Hydrogen-Related Policies in Germany
   4) Hydrogen-Related Policies in the U.S.
   5) Hydrogen-Related Policies in China
2. Forecast on Low-Carbon Hydrogen Production Volume
     - Global production volume of low-carbon hydrogen is projected to expand to 1480 million tons by 2040.
3. Water Electrolysis Technology Trends
4. Research & Development Trends on Thermal Methane Cracking
5. Research & Development Trends on Artificial Photosynthesis

III    Trends of Hydrogen Production Equipment/Component Manufacturers and R&D Institutions

• ASAHI KASEI CORPORATION
• De Nora Permelec Ltd.
• Nippon Shokubai Co., Ltd.
• Hitachi Zosen Corporation
• Kobelco Eco-Solutions Co.,Ltd.
• Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation
• Toray Industries, Inc.
• National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
• DENSO CORPORATION
• National Institute of Technology (KOSEN), Asahikawa College
• Chiyoda Corporation
• TODA KOGYO CORP.