Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, at a press conference for the International Summit on the Future of Energy Security in London in April
IEA’s bearish but bullish hydrogen review
The global project pipeline has contracted for the first time, but production can still achieve strong growth through 2030, the IEA says in its annual review of the clean hydrogen sector
The IEA has cut its 2030 clean hydrogen production forecast by a quarter as widespread cancellations and delays cause the global project pipeline to contract for the first time. Potential global production by 2030, based on industry announcements, stands at 37mt/yr, down from a forecast of 49mt/yr a year ago. Green hydrogen accounted for 80% of the reduction. When placed alongside the over-ambitious targets set five years ago by policymakers in the EU, the UK and elsewhere, these numbers look worrying. However, in absolute terms, the outlook for this nascent industry looks more positive. The IEA said production is on track for “strong growth” through 2030. “The latest data indicates th
Also in this section
4 February 2026
Europe’s largest electrolyser manufacturers are losing patience with policymakers as sluggish growth in the green hydrogen sector undermines their decision to expand production capacity
2 February 2026
As a fertiliser feedstock, it is indispensable, but ammonia’s potential as a carbon-free energy carrier is also making it central to global decarbonisation strategies
28 January 2026
The development of hydrogen’s distribution system must speed up if the industry is to stand any chance of grabbing a meaningful slice of the low-carbon energy market
14 January 2026
Continent’s governments must seize the green hydrogen opportunity by refining policies and ramping up the development of supply chains and infrastructure
