Market Opportunity: The Hydrogen Economy

Importance of the Topic

Hydrogen power offers a clean, carbon-low alternative integral to future energy systems. On-site production and refuelling stations address logistical and financial barriers in building distribution networks, enabling rapid deployment in sectors like material handling.

Study Objectives and Overview

• Assess market prospects for modular hydrogen generation and refuelling stations (HGRS).
• Examine the role of ultrapure water systems in sustainable hydrogen production.
• Outline projected global demand and regional initiatives.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analysis combines industry data on fuel cell vehicles and refuelling infrastructure with technical evaluation of water treatment requirements. ELGA’s ultrapure water solutions supplying ≥1 MΩ·cm resistivity are highlighted as critical components in electrolytic hydrogen generators.

Key Results and Discussion

• 431 hydrogen refuelling stations (HRS) were operational worldwide at end-2019; Europe alone needs about 3 740 more by 2030.
• Forecast of over 10 000 modular HGRS units globally by 2030 driven by material handling vehicle (MHV) fleets.
• PEM electrolysis demands high-purity water to protect catalysts and membranes; RO plus EDI systems provide adequate long-term performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

On-site hydrogen generation reduces transport costs and emissions. Integration of ultrapure water treatment ensures consistent electrolyser performance, supporting fuel cell forklifts and vehicle fleets with cleaner, more efficient energy supply.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Scaling of UV and membrane distillation for water purification, expansion of green electrolysis capacity, and increased policy incentives are set to accelerate adoption. Combined HGRS designs will evolve with higher throughput and modular flexibility.

Conclusion

Modular hydrogen generation and refuelling stations represent a pivotal growth area in the hydrogen economy. Ensuring water purity through advanced treatment systems is essential for operational efficiency and electrolyser longevity, positioning technology providers for market leadership.

Reference

• Hydrogen Europe. Hydrogen 2030: The Blueprint.
• Financial Times (2018). Analysis of hydrogen refuelling infrastructure growth.
• The Fuel Cell Industry Review (2018). Global industry overview.
• FuelCellsWorks (2019). Report on new hydrogen refuelling stations.