Brussels – September 15, 2026 -- Committed investment in clean hydrogen has surpassed USD 130 billion globally, backing 6.9 Mtpa of capacity across more than 570 projects, according to the Hydrogen Council's Global Hydrogen Compass 2026 report co-authored with McKinsey & Company.
Ninety percent of tracked projects are already under construction or operational
Global operational capacity nearly doubled over the past year and is projected to double again in 2027 as projects under construction come online, the report states. The analysis draws on data from over 570 projects and perspectives from roughly 70 global CEOs.
China controls more than half of committed renewable hydrogen capacity worldwide
China added 90% of all new operational hydrogen capacity added globally since 2025, cementing its position as the largest market. Europe ranks second, leading in total project count and posting 35% investment growth since 2025. The United States dominates low-carbon hydrogen deployment, holding approximately 75% of global committed low-carbon hydrogen and ammonia capacity.
Only 6 of 11 Mtpa in potential 2030 demand is secured by enforced policy
Existing government policies could unlock 11 Mtpa of clean hydrogen demand by 2030, but only around 6 Mtpa is currently firmed by enacted and enforced measures. The report calls for urgent government action to secure the remaining 5 Mtpa, citing enabling incentives, mandates and robust carbon pricing as top priorities for policymakers, while industry must cut costs and build infrastructure to meet demand.
Hydrogen Council frames the technology as an energy security lever, not just a climate tool
The report was launched via a global virtual event featuring CEOs from Baker Hughes, CF Industries, Port of Rotterdam and Sinopec, with findings also presented at the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial in Japan. Jaehoon Chang, Vice-Chair of Hyundai Motor Group and Co-Chair of the Hydrogen Council, said the debate has shifted from whether hydrogen can deliver to how fast countries choose to build, noting that competitive hydrogen ecosystems are taking hold wherever deployment is matched with supportive policy.