Global Hydrogen Consumption: Growth, Applications, and the Need for Sustainable Production

Global hydrogen consumption reached approximately 120 Mt/a in 2020 and is projected to increase to 530 Mt/a by 2050. The largest uses of hydrogen include oil refining (39 Mt/a) and ammonia production (32 Mt/a), accounting for over 70 Mt/a. Additionally, hydrogen is utilized in various applications such as carbon-containing gas mixtures, syngas for methanol production (14 Mt/a), steel manufacturing (5 Mt/a), as well as electricity and heat generation (30 Mt/a).

Although hydrogen is considered an ideal future energy source, current production methods are largely reliant on fossil fuel sources, with natural gas (76%) and coal (23%) being the primary feedstocks. This results in significant CO2 emissions, approximately 830 Mt/a. To address the environmental impact, alternative hydrogen production technologies such as methane pyrolysis and water electrolysis are emerging. However, their effectiveness in reducing environmental impact depends on the widespread adoption of renewable energy sources for energy and raw material supply.

In conclusion, while global hydrogen consumption is expected to rise significantly in the coming years, there is a pressing need to transition to renewable and sustainable production methods to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and ensure a clean energy future.