Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 shows investment passes $130B
In Belgium, hydrogen is no longer a future bet – it is being built now. According to the Hydrogen Council’s Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 committed investment has surpassed $130 billion, corresponding to 6.9 Mtpa of committed capacity across more than 570 projects worldwide, 90% of which are under construction or already operational.
The new report, co-authored with McKinsey & Company and informed by the perspectives of some 70 global CEOs, highlights continued industry progress alongside a changing strategic context. Over the past year, global operational capacity has nearly doubled and is expected to double again next year as projects under construction come online.
At the same time, shifting geopolitical priorities are strengthening hydrogen’s role as a strategic resilience lever. As governments seek to strengthen energy security, build more resilient economies and support long-term industrial growth, hydrogen is receiving renewed attention for its ability to help address multiple strategic priorities alongside deep decarbonization, complementing growing electrification and use of renewable energy sources.
Geographically, China remains the largest market, accounting for more than half of global committed renewable hydrogen capacity, as well as 90% of new operational capacity globally added since 2025. Europe now follows as the second-largest market, leading in project count and relative investment growth (+35% since 2025). The United States continues to lead in low-carbon hydrogen deployment, accounting for approximately 75% of global committed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia capacity.
The experience of these leading markets also points to the industry’s next challenge: projects move forward where policy and infrastructure are the most robust. Of the 11 Mpta of potential 2030 clean hydrogen demand that existing policies could unlock by 2030, around 6 Mtpa is firmed today by policies that have been enacted and enforced. Unlocking the remaining 5 Mpta now requires urgent action from governments to deliver on existing policy commitments.
For policymakers, the top priority is to implement enabling incentives and mandates, as well as robust carbon pricing instruments providing demand signals. For industry, the focus is to serve that demand cost effectively, which requires strong push to reduce cost and build the necessary infrastructure.
Category: Fuels
