Key highlights from the report “Global Hydrogen Review 2026” published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) are:

  • The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted global production and trade of hydrogen-based products. The Middle East is a major producer of hydrogen-based products, and the conflict has strongly impacted their production. The consequences of the conflict reach far beyond the Middle East as the region is a major player in global trade for hydrogen-based products. Global fertiliser markets have been particularly affected, with potential implications for the food supply chain. 
  • Hydrogen-based fuels can help to diversify the energy sector, but their impact will not be immediate. Governments are considering strategies to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing energy crisis and potential future crises, and hydrogen can support in increasing diversification. Hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels can play a role supporting energy security in the long-term, but they are not ready at scale to alleviate immediate pressures. Policy support will remain necessary to close the cost gap with incumbents and enable short-term uptake. 
  • Low-emissions hydrogen progressed in 2025 but persistent barriers are preventing sustainable growth. Global hydrogen demand surpassed 100 million tonnes (Mt) in 2025, driven by growth in traditional sectors. Low-emissions hydrogen production grew by 20% in 2025 to reach almost 1 Mt, but progress is concentrated in a small number of projects. As well as near-term action to address barriers, long-term objectives need to be renewed to provide clarity and facilitate stable growth. 
  • The short-term outlook for low-emissions hydrogen remains uncertain with large differences across regions. The pipeline of announced projects for low-emissions hydrogen production has shrunk to 27 Mt by 2030, mostly due to delays post 2030 and cancellations. China shows signs of deceleration in electrolysis deployment, but the short term outlook is positive due to recent policy developments. In Europe, the first large-scale projects are expected to come online in 2026, but slow policy implementation is delaying scale-up. Other markets are experiencing some initial progress thanks to early policy support, but the outlook remains uncertain due to lack of regulatory clarity. 
  • Demand for low-emissions hydrogen remains the crucial missing piece for the sector to take off. Offtake agreements remain insufficient to unlock large-scale investment in low-emissions hydrogen production.  The refining and chemicals sectors lead adoption of low-emissions hydrogen, as demand creation policies gather momentum. 
  • Hydrogen can offer long-term development opportunities for Africa, but significant challenges lay ahead. Development of low-emissions hydrogen production projects in Africa will require a clear focus on how they can contribute to wider development goals. Low-emissions hydrogen can support industrial development, food security and trade. Hydrogen demand and production in Africa remains small but has long-term potential. Targeted policies and investment are needed to unlock deployment. 

Access the report here