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In 2020, the demand for hydrogen was around 87 million tonnes (Mt), with projections suggesting it could rise to 580 Mt by 2050.
Currently, hydrogen is essential in oil refining and the production of ammonia and methanol. Looking ahead, it is poised to become a vital low-carbon, energy-dense fuel for transportation and manufacturing, and a key resource for electricity generation and storage.
Current uses of hydrogen
Emerging uses of hydrogen
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Grey Hydrogen
Produced from natural gas by separating hydrogen from methane (CH4) without capturing the resulting carbon emissions.
White Hydrogen
Naturally occurring and found in underground deposits, making it the most cost-effective type of hydrogen to produce.
Blue Hydrogen
Produced from natural gas by separating hydrogen from methane (CH4) while capturing the resulting carbon emissions.
Green Hydrogen
Produced by using renewable energy to electrolyze water, separating H2 from H2O. This method of production is expensive.
The need for cleaner hydrogen is growing at an increasing pace.
The demand for clean hydrogen is projected to reach between 125 and 585 million tonnes annually by 2050. Currently, nearly all hydrogen consumed—around 90 million tonnes per year—is grey hydrogen, which is produced through fossil fuel-based steam methane reforming. However, as the demand for clean hydrogen increases, the use of grey hydrogen is expected to decrease significantly.
According to McKinsey, clean hydrogen could account for 73 to 100 percent of total hydrogen demand by 2050. Post-2025, it is anticipated that nearly all new hydrogen production will be clean hydrogen, reflecting a major shift towards more sustainable production methods.
Scenario descriptions
NET ZERO
Net zero commitments will be achieved by all countries by 2050 through the implementation of ambitious policies across various regions.
ACHIEVED COMMITMENTS
Leading countries achieve net zero commitments through deliberate policies, while others transition at a slower pace.
FURTHER ACCELERATION
Further acceleration of the transition is driven by country-specific commitments, although financial and technological constraints persist.
CURRENT TRAJECTORY
The current trajectory of declining renewables and electrolyzer costs continues. However, existing policies remain insufficient to close the gap to achieve ambitious climate goals.
FADING MOMENTUM
Delayed adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) in road transport, along with slow uptake of alternative fuels in aviation, results in lower hydrogen demand.
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