Global Electrolyzer Market - Growth, Trends, and Forecast to 2028

The global electrolyzer market has witnessed remarkable growth in recent years, driven by several key factors: 

• Growing support from governments in the form of strategies, policies, initiatives, investments, and deployment targets
• Rising adoption of hydrogen as a clean fuel due to its benefits
• Growing interest in fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) and hydrogen infrastructure
• Increasing demand for hydrogen from industries
• Rapidly growing low-carbon hydrogen production projects

However, factors such as high initial investments, a lack of hydrogen infrastructure, including distribution and storage facilities, and competition from other methods such as natural gas reforming are acting as restraints on the growth of the global electrolyzer market. 

Introduction

An electrolyzer is a device that employs electricity to facilitate the process of electrolysis, which involves passing an electric current through a substance to induce its decomposition into its fundamental constituent elements. This commonly involves the separation of water or other compounds into their primary components.

Currently, electrolyzers stand as the pivotal technology for generating hydrogen from water through the electrolysis of water. Water electrolysis is an electrochemical process that splits water (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using electricity. This process takes place in the electrolyzer.

The primary reason for producing hydrogen using an electrolyzer is to solve the intermittence issue caused by renewable energy sources, as hydrogen can be stored for longer durations when compared to any other energy storage method.  

Working with an Electrolyzer

• An electrolyzer comprises a conductive electrode stack separated by a membrane that is subjected to high voltage and current.
• This creates an electric current in the water, causing it to disintegrate into its constituents: oxygen and hydrogen.
• The whole electrolyzer system includes pumps, power electronics, compressors, a gas separator, and other auxiliary components such as storage tanks.
• In some situations, the oxygen produced in parallel is discharged into the atmosphere or kept for future use as a medicinal or industrial gas.
• Hydrogen is compressed or liquefied and stored to be used in industry or hydrogen fuel cells.

Types of Electrolyzers:

There are four main electrolyzer technologies:

• Alkaline Electrolyzers
• Proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer
• Solid Oxide Electrolyzer 
• Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) (SOCEs and AEMs are Emerging Technologies)

Electrolyzers have several major applications across various industries, primarily centered around the production and utilization of hydrogen. The major applications of electrolyzers include hydrogen production, chemical synthesis, space and aerospace applications, etc.

Drivers 

Growing Support from Governments

Governments around the world are increasingly recognizing the importance of hydrogen and electrolyzers in achieving their environmental and energy goals. They are enacting policies that incentivize and promote the use of green hydrogen produced via electrolysis. These policies often involve setting emission reduction targets and mandates for the integration of green hydrogen into various sectors, driving up demand for electrolyzers.

Prominent nations have taken significant steps by unveiling their hydrogen roadmaps as integral components of their energy transition strategies. As an example, in June 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy unveiled the U.S. National Clean Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap. 

The roadmap not only encapsulates the current landscape of hydrogen production, transportation, storage, and utilization in the United States but also adopts a forward-looking perspective in the development of the green hydrogen market. It offers insights into how clean hydrogen will contribute to national decarbonization objectives and presents future demand scenarios for clean hydrogen. This, in turn, has the potential to catalyze increased demand for electrolyzer technology. 

To achieve their determined emission reduction targets promised in the international forums, governments are implementing incentive programs that offer financial support to companies and industries investing in electrolyzer technology. These incentives can take the form of grants, subsidies, tax credits, or rebates. Such programs reduce the financial burden on businesses looking to adopt or scale up electrolyzer projects.

For instance, the incentives announced in 2022 by the United States government under the Inflation Reduction Act led to an increase in the number of new electrolyzer manufacturing facilities in the nation, making way for the development of the hydrogen market in the nation.

Segment Analysis by Type

In 2022, the global electrolyzer market exhibited a notable distribution of technology types, with alkaline electrolyzers emerging as the dominant choice, accounting for a significant 60% of the total installed capacity. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, on the other hand, represented a substantial but smaller segment of the market, holding a 30% share of the installed capacity. 

Regional Analysis

Progress in electrolyzer development spans across various continents, with China taking the lead in installed capacity, while the European Union and the United States have implemented significant policy initiatives.

Countries and regions that are making noteworthy strides in advancing electrolyzer technology include:

China: China stands at the forefront in both electrolyzer capacity and manufacturing. As of 2022, the country has a cumulative electrolyzer capacity of nearly 220 MW, with an additional 750 MW under construction, scheduled for online activation in 2023. Remarkably, China accounts for 40% of the global electrolyzer manufacturing capacity, highlighting its substantial contribution to the industry's growth.

European Union: In 2022, the European Union took notable steps by installing approximately 80 MW of electrolyzer capacity, more than double the capacity installed in the preceding year. In July 2022, the European Commission gave the green light to EUR 5.4 billion in funding to bolster its inaugural hydrogen-related Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI), known as Hy2Tech. This initiative focuses on advancing hydrogen technologies and includes incentives to support electrolyzer manufacturers, further promoting the development of this critical sector. 

North America: In 2022, the United States introduced pivotal incentives through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). These incentives encompassed credits designed to finance manufacturing projects, and their impact is already being realized. There has been a notable uptick in announcements regarding new electrolyzer manufacturing facilities in the country, signaling a burgeoning commitment to electrolyzer technology and its broader implications.

Current Scenario of the Electrolyzer Industry

Electrolyzers are already extensively employed within the chlor-alkaline industry to generate chlorine and sodium hydroxide, with a cumulative installed capacity exceeding 20 GW.

Nonetheless, the widespread deployment of electrolyzers specifically for dedicated hydrogen production began to gain momentum only in the latter part of the 2010s. The year 2021 marked a significant turning point, setting a record for deployment with over 200 MW of electrolysis capacity becoming operational, signifying substantial growth in annual capacity additions.

In 2022, there was a modest deceleration in the rate of global electrolyzer capacity additions. However, when taking into account the robust pipeline of projects currently under development and their anticipated operational dates, it is anticipated that global electrolysis capacity will experience a swift and substantial expansion in the near future.

Recent Developments

• In June 2023, Ohmium International's Indian subsidiary was chosen as a PEM electrolyzer partner for NTPC Renewable Energy Limited (NTPC REL), a subsidiary of India's NTPC. Ohmium's electrolyzers will be used in up to 400 MW projects across various sectors, with the agreement lasting until May 2025.
• Cleantech firm EVoLOH, Inc. in September 2023, revealed its recent move to lease an industrial facility in Lowell, Massachusetts. This facility is currently undergoing preparations to become EVoLOH's Manufacturing Center of Excellence, where the company will manufacture innovative anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer stacks designed for the production of green hydrogen.
• In September 2023, DuPont made a significant announcement regarding its entry into the green hydrogen market. The company introduced its inaugural product tailored specifically for green hydrogen production: the DuPont AmberLite P2X110 Ion Exchange Resin. This specialized ion exchange resin has been designed to facilitate the production of hydrogen from water, catering to the distinctive chemistry of electrolyzer systems.
• Nel Hydrogen announced its plans to build its gigafactory in Plymouth Township which will be among the world’s largest electrode plants.
• Fusion Fuel, a pioneer in innovative green hydrogen solutions, has secured a significant purchase order for a 300 kW hydrogen electrolyzer and balance of plant system from a prominent global provider of building solutions.
• In June 2023, India's Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) unveiled guidelines for the implementation of incentive schemes targeting green hydrogen and electrolyzer production. These schemes collectively offer substantial incentives amounting to INR 17,490 crore (USD 2 billion) over a five-year period, spanning from FY 2024-25 to FY 2029-30.

Opportunities

• Green Hydrogen Production: The transition to green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is a major opportunity. Governments and industries are investing heavily in green hydrogen projects to reduce carbon emissions. Electrolyzers play a pivotal role in this shift.
• Renewable Energy Integration: Electrolyzers can store excess renewable energy and convert it into hydrogen, providing grid stability and energy storage solutions. As renewable energy adoption continues, this integration becomes more crucial.
• Transportation Sector: The rise of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) and the expansion of hydrogen refueling infrastructure create opportunities for electrolyzer manufacturers. FCVs are gaining traction, especially in heavy-duty transport.
• Industrial Applications: Industries like chemicals, refining, and steel manufacturing are exploring hydrogen as a cleaner alternative to reduce emissions. Electrolyzers can supply hydrogen for these processes.
• Government Initiatives: Various governments worldwide are providing incentives, subsidies, and funding for green hydrogen and electrolyzer projects. Manufacturers can benefit from these support mechanisms.

The report on the Global Electrolyzer Market comprehensively analyzes the electrolyzer market and provides deep insight into the current and future state of the industry.

The study examines the drivers, restraints, and regional trends influencing global electrolyzer market demand and growth.

The report also addresses present and future market opportunities, market dynamics, and the impact of COVID-19 on the global electrolyzer market, as well as important commercial developments, trends, regions, and segments poised for the fastest growth, competitive landscape, and market share of key players.

Further, the report will also provide global electrolyzer market size, demand forecast, and growth rates.

What do we Cover in the Report?

Global Electrolyzer Market Drivers & Restraints

The study covers all the major underlying forces that help the market develop and grow and the factors that constrain growth.

The report includes a meticulous analysis of each factor, explaining the relevant, qualitative information with supporting data.

Each factor's respective impact in the near, medium, and long term will be covered using Harvey balls for visual communication of qualitative information and will function as a guide for you to analyze the degree of impact.

Global Electrolyzer Market Analysis

This report discusses an overview of the market, the latest updates, important commercial developments and structural trends, and government policies and regulations.

This section provides an assessment of the COVID-19 impact on global electrolyzers market demand.

Global Electrolyzer Market Size and Demand Forecast

The report provides global market size and demand forecasts until 2028, including year-on-year (YoY) growth rates and CAGR.

Global Electrolyzer Market Analysis

The report examines the critical elements of the global electrolyzer industry supply chain, its structure, and the participants.

Using Porter's five forces framework, the report covers an assessment of the global electrolyzer industry's state of competition and profitability.

Global Electrolyzer Market Segmentation & Forecast

The report dissects the global electrolyzer market into segments based on product type. A detailed summary of the current scenario, recent developments, and market outlook will be provided for each segment.

Further, market size and demand forecasts will be presented, along with various drivers and barriers for individual market segments.

Regional Market Analysis

The report covers detailed profiles of major countries across the world. Each country's analysis covers the current market scenario, market drivers, government policies & regulations, and market outlook.

In addition, market size, demand forecast, and market growth rates will be provided for all regions.

Following are the notable countries covered under each region.

North America - United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Rest of North America

Europe - Germany, France, United Kingdom (UK), Russia, and the Rest of Europe

Asia-Pacific - China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and the Rest of APAC

Rest of the World – South America, the Middle East, and Africa

Key Company Profiles

This report presents detailed profiles of key companies in the global electrolyzer industry, such as Nel ASA, Plug Power Inc., ITM Power plc, Cummins Inc., Siemens Energy AG, etc. 

Generally, each company profile includes a company overview, relevant products and services, a financial overview, and recent developments.

Competitive Landscape

The report provides a comprehensive list of notable companies in the market, including mergers and acquisitions (M&As), joint ventures (JVs), partnerships, collaborations, and other business agreements.

The study also discusses the strategies adopted by leading players in the industry.

Executive Summary

The executive summary will be jam-packed with charts, infographics, and forecasts. This chapter summarizes the findings of the report crisply and clearly.

The report begins with an executive summary chapter and ends with conclusions and recommendations.