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Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Analysis

ID: MRFR//4491-CR | 120 Pages | Author: Priya Nagrale| February 2020

The market dynamics of hydrogen fuel cells have been undergoing a significant transformation, fueled by the increasing global emphasis on sustainable energy solutions. Hydrogen fuel cells, which convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity, are gaining traction as a clean and efficient alternative to traditional energy sources. One of the key drivers of this market is the growing awareness of environmental concerns and the need to reduce carbon emissions. Governments and industries worldwide are investing heavily in research and development, leading to advancements in fuel cell technology and making hydrogen a viable contender in the energy landscape.


The demand for hydrogen fuel cells is witnessing a surge across various sectors, including transportation, stationary power generation, and portable applications. In the transportation sector, hydrogen fuel cells are gaining popularity as a clean alternative to conventional internal combustion engines. Automotive manufacturers are investing in the development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with notable progress seen in the commercialization of hydrogen-powered cars, buses, and trucks. The transportation sector's shift towards hydrogen is attributed to its potential to offer longer driving ranges and shorter refueling times compared to electric vehicles relying on traditional batteries.


In stationary power generation, hydrogen fuel cells are finding applications in various industries as a reliable source of clean energy. The ability to provide continuous power with minimal environmental impact makes fuel cells suitable for backup power systems, off-grid power generation, and distributed energy solutions. Additionally, advancements in fuel cell technology have led to improved efficiency and reduced costs, making them more economically viable for widespread adoption in various stationary power applications.


The market dynamics are also influenced by the growing interest in hydrogen as a versatile energy carrier. Hydrogen produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources has the potential to play a crucial role in the energy transition. The concept of a ""hydrogen economy"" is gaining momentum, with governments and industries exploring ways to integrate hydrogen into existing energy infrastructures. This interest is further fueled by the potential of hydrogen to address energy storage challenges and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable energy system.


However, challenges persist in the hydrogen fuel cell market, including the high costs associated with production, distribution, and infrastructure development. The establishment of a robust hydrogen infrastructure, including production, storage, and distribution facilities, remains a significant hurdle for widespread adoption. Additionally, the availability of hydrogen fueling stations is limited, hindering the growth of the market, especially in the transportation sector. Overcoming these challenges requires collaborative efforts from governments, industries, and stakeholders to invest in infrastructure development and scale up production to achieve cost competitiveness.


The market dynamics of hydrogen fuel cells are shaped by a combination of environmental concerns, technological advancements, and the quest for sustainable energy solutions. As the global community intensifies efforts to combat climate change, hydrogen fuel cells are emerging as a key player in the transition towards cleaner and more efficient energy systems. The market's future trajectory will depend on overcoming existing challenges and fostering collaboration to build a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure that supports the widespread adoption of this promising technology.

Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Overview:


The Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market size was valued at USD 2.48 billion in 2022.  The Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry is projected to grow from USD 2.88 Billion in 2023 to USD 11.87 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.09% during the forecast period (2024 - 2030).  Rising government and private investments in developing and establishing hydrogen fuel cell-producing facilities are the key market drivers enhancing the market growth.


Global Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Overview


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Trends




  • Reduced dependency on non-conventional energy sources to boost the market growth




Growing ecological concerns increase the need for alternative energy sources to produce cleaner energy.  Conversely, the shorter durability of the Hydrogen Fuel Cells is a major factor estimated to impede market growth during the forecast period.  Nevertheless, Hydrogen Fuel Cells benefits in producing emission-free energy would support market growth.


Additionally, substantial investments in green energy development substantiate the market value.  Also, rising Hydrogen Fuel Cells applications in heating and power generation solutions in residential and commercial sectors increase market sales.  Various associations and governments have reformed their energy policies to fulfill the growing demand for power due to the ever-increasing population.  Hydrogen Fuel Cells have more applicability and reliability than other alternative energy sources like wind and solar power.


Additionally, Governments of various countries across the globe have implemented a variety of strategies to address environmental concerns.  According to the State of California in the US, in November 2021, the government committed funding to create 100 Hydrogen Fuel Cells filling stations to fulfill its goal of 1.5 million zero-emission vehicles by 2025.  Therefore, such government initiatives have enhanced the Hydrogen Fuel Cells market CAGR across the globe in the recent years.


However, rising Hydrogen Fuel Cells applications in heating and power generation solutions in residential and commercial sectors increase market sales.  Various associations and governments have reformed their energy policies to fulfill the growing demand for power due to the ever-increasing population driving the growth of the Hydrogen Fuel Cells market revenue.


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Segment Insights:


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Type Insights


The Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market segmentation, based on type, includes air-cooled type, and water-cooled type.  The water-cooled type segment held the majority share in the market for Hydrogen Fuel Cells in 2021 of the Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market revenue as it offers more cooling effect.  Condenser cooling allows the fuel cell stack to function at higher temperatures than other cooling types.  However, the air-cooled type is the fastest-growing category as it warms up much faster and doesn't risk coolant freezing.


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Application Insights


The Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market data have been bifurcated by application into stationary, transport, and portable.  The stationary segment dominated the market in 2021 and is projected to be the faster-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030, due to factors including high efficiency and the ability to utilize a variety of fuels, the stationary application segment is expected to grow.  However, transport is the fastest-growing segment due to rising demand for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell powered forklifts.  Hence, rising applications of Hydrogen Fuel Cells in the transportation industry positively impact market growth.


Figure 1: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market, by Application, 2024 & 2030 (USD Million)


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market, by Application


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Regional Insights


By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the World.  The North America Hydrogen Fuel Cells market accounted for USD 0.84 billion in 2021 and is expected to exhibit a significant CAGR growth during the study period.  This is attributed to the growing research and development programs, incentives and subsidies provided by the government for Hydrogen Fuel Cells vehicles, as well as government funding and expenditure, which have pushed the use of Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry in the region.  Further, the US Hydrogen Fuel Cells market held the largest market share, and the Canada Hydrogen Fuel Cells market was the fastest-growing market in the North America region.


Further, the major countries studied in the market report are: The U.S, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.


Figure 2: Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Share By Region 2021 (%)


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Share By Region


Source: Secondary Research, Primary Research, MRFR Database and Analyst Review


The Asia-Pacific Hydrogen Fuel Cells market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the region's expanding population, and rising disposable income is lifting the demand for energy.  Moreover, the region's rapidly growing economies are also the globe's leading polluters.  Hydrogen Fuel Cells have been discovered as the most suitable option to other conventional fossil fuel energy sources for decreasing carbon emissions and efficiently providing energy needs.  Moreover, China Hydrogen Fuel Cells market held the largest market share, and the India Hydrogen Fuel Cells market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.


The Europe Hydrogen Fuel Cells market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2030.  This is due to the increasing user base, and the quick commercialization of FCEVs is expected to drive the market revenue growth of Hydrogen Fuel Cells.  The market is expected to grow faster if public and commercial organizations invest significantly in expanding and developing Hydrogen Fuel Cells refueling networks.  Further, the Germany Hydrogen Fuel Cells market held the largest market share, and the UK Hydrogen Fuel Cells market was the fastest-growing market in the European region.


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Key Market Players & Competitive Insights


Major market players are spending a lot of money on R&D to increase their product lines, which will help the Hydrogen Fuel Cells market grow even more.  Market participants are also taking various strategic initiatives to grow their global footprint, with key market developments such as new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, increased investments, and collaboration with other organizations.  Competitors in the Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry must offer cost-effective items to expand and survive in a growingly competitive and rising market environment.


One of the primary business strategies adopted by manufacturers in the global Hydrogen Fuel Cells industry to benefit clients and enhance the market sector is to manufacture locally to decrease operating expenses.  In the Hydrogen Fuel Cells market, major players such as Panasonic Corporation (Japan), Intelligent Energy Holdings plc (UK), FuelCell Energy Inc. (US), Plug Power Inc. (US), and others are working on expanding the market demand by investing in research and development activities.


Doosan Fuel Cell Co. Ltd. produces and sells cell products.  The company develops and sells residential used compact fuel cells and other products.  The Company also develops controllers, fuel pretreatment systems, and stack and peripheral devices.  Doosan Fuel Cell markets its products globally.  In January 2022, Doosan Fuel Cell Co., Ltd. and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) signed an agreement to strengthen Hydrogen Fuel Cells operation and maintenance capabilities.  The two companies will work together to produce a roadmap for hydrogen fuel cell operation and maintenance technical training, as well as a local green hydrogen fuel cell project for distributed power, under the terms of the agreement.


Also, Renault SA (Renault) is an automobile company.  It designs, manufactures, sells, and distributes passenger, light commercial, and electric vehicles.  The company provides various services, including sales financing, leasing, maintenance, and contracts.  In February 2022, Renault Group and Plug Power Inc. entered into a joint venture with the formation of HYVIA to work on low-carbon mobility and hydrogen fuel cells.  This joint venture integrates the entire hydrogen mobility ecosystem from the vehicle to infrastructure and turnkey services for customers.  Developing this cutting-edge technology will strengthen the industrial base and set up new value-generating activities in France.


Key Companies in the Hydrogen Fuel Cells market include



  • Panasonic Corporation (Japan)

  • Intelligent Energy Holdings plc (UK.)

  • FuelCell Energy Inc. (U.S.)

  • Plug Power Inc. (US.)

  • Hyster-Yale Group (US.)

  • Doosan Fuel Cell (US.)

  • Ballard Power Systems (Canada)

  • Nedstack fuel cell technology BV. (Netherlands)

  • Pearl Hydrogen (China)

  • Hydrogenics Corporation (Canada)

  • Horizon Fuel Cell Technologies (Singapore), among others


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Industry Developments


March 2022:At the HORIBA MIRA West Midlands location in the UK, Ceres and HORIBA MIRA formed a cooperation for fuel cell testing and creating a Ceres fuel cell test facility.


November 2021:Ballard Power Systems worked with Microsoft and Caterpillar Inc.  A megawatt-scale hydrogen fuel cell backup generator system for data centers was the goal of this partnership.  Ballard is anticipated to contribute a cutting-edge 1.5 MW ClearGenTM-II hydrogen fuel cell power generator through this partnership.


June 2020:United Hydrogen Group Inc. and Giner ELX were acquired by Plug Power Inc., a leading provider of hydrogen cell engines and fueling systems that enable e-mobility.  These two purchases by the company are in keeping with Plug Power's vertical integration strategy in the hydrogen market, intending to have more than 50% of the hydrogen utilized be green by 2024.


In January 2024:Hyzon Motors Inc. had announced business updates reflecting achievement of critical 2023 commercial and operational milestones. In December 31, 2023, Hyzon had deployed 19 vehicles under commercial agreements to customers in 2023, meeting its annual guidance of 15-20 vehicles. Of those vehicles, five were deployed in the U.S. to both drayage and large fleet customers, three in Europe, and 11 in Australia.


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Market Segmentation


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Type Outlook



  • Air-Cooled Type

  • Water-Cooled Type


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Application Outlook



  • Stationary

  • Transport

  • Portable


Hydrogen Fuel Cells Regional Outlook



  • North America

    • US

    • Canada



  • Europe

    • Germany

    • France

    • UK

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Rest of Europe



  • Asia-Pacific

    • China

    • Japan

    • India

    • Australia

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Rest of Asia-Pacific



  • Rest of the World

    • Middle East

    • Africa

    • Latin America



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