Global Hydrogen Capacity Faces Challenges Amid Demand Uncertainty and Investment Constraints

GlobalData reports that demand uncertainty and investment limitations are hindering low-carbon hydrogen capacity expansion. As of February 2026, the active capacity reaches 2.2 million tonnes per annum across over 460 projects. Projections indicate a potential increase to 82.3 million tonnes per annum by 2030, but current operational capacity remains low, with only 2% from active projects. Major players like BP and TotalEnergies are focusing on green hydrogen, while Shell and Equinor aim to lead in blue hydrogen. Overcoming financial and regulatory barriers is essential for future growth.

Published Mar 25, 2026

Demand uncertainty and investment constraints are limiting the expansion of low-carbon hydrogen capacity, according to GlobalData. As of February 2026, active capacity was approximately 2.2 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) from over 460 projects.

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Global hydrogen production capacity could reach 82.3 mtpa by 2030, but currently only 2% is from operational projects. The landscape lacks large-scale initiatives, with only ten of 2,335 planned projects exceeding 1 mtpa.

BP leads in green hydrogen initiatives, while Shell and Equinor are set to dominate blue hydrogen by 2030. Significant financial, regulatory, and infrastructural challenges must be addressed to convert project announcements into operational capacity.