PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1882942
PUBLISHER: Orion Market Research | PRODUCT CODE: 1882942
Hydrogen Pipeline Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report by Pipeline Type (Pure Hydrogen Pipelines and Blended Pipelines), by Hydrogen Type (Blue Hydrogen, Green Hydrogen, Grey Hydrogen, and Turquoise Hydrogen), by Application (Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Nickel Alloys and Polymer/Composites), and by End-User (Power Generation, Industrial Sector and Transportation) Forecast Period (2026-2035)
Industry Overview
Hydrogen pipeline market was valued at $1.8 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $11.5 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 16.0% during the forecast period (2026-2035). The global hydrogen pipeline market is expanding at a fast pace owing to the global push to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift toward cleaner energy systems, government policies, incentives & regulation, growth in hydrogen production & industrial demand, technology advancement & cost reduction. Europe is among the most active regions in developing large-scale hydrogen pipeline infrastructure, driven by strong decarbonization goals and energy transition policies. As part of Europe's broader clean-energy transition, nation such as Germany is taking major steps to build a nationwide hydrogen transport system to support industrial decarbonization. For instance, in October 2024, the government approved the plan in October 2024 for a "core hydrogen grid" spanning approximately 9,040 km, with about 60% repurposed from existing natural gas pipelines.
Market Dynamics
Technological Innovation Strengthens the Global Hydrogen Infrastructure Market
Innovative pipeline technologies are driving progress in the global hydrogen infrastructure market by enhancing safety and reducing costs. New designs are tackling issues such as leakage, corrosion, and installation inefficiencies. Such advancements are crucial for enabling large-scale, cost-effective hydrogen transport systems. For instance, in September 2024, NOV's Fiber Glass Systems business unit and H2C Safety Pipe Inc., a subsidiary of H2 Clipper, Inc. (H2C), have been named one of the 13 Phase 1 winners of the US Department of Energy's (DOE) Facilities Track of the Manufacture of Advanced Key Energy Infrastructure Technologies (MAKE IT) Prize. H2C's Safety Pipe uses a double-walled design with inert gas to capture hydrogen leaks and enable real-time monitoring. In partnership with NOV, it delivers safer, corrosion-free, and lower-cost hydrogen transport with faster installation.
Market Uncertainty Slows Large-Scale Hydrogen Pipeline Investments
Uncertainty in demand and regulation continues to challenge large-scale hydrogen pipeline investments. Even technically viable projects are being delayed as market clarity and customer commitments lag behind expectations. For instance, in September 2024, Equinor paused plans for a €4-6 billion hydrogen pipeline development from Norway to Germany, citing unclear regulations, no confirmed customers, and insufficient supply. Although technically feasible, the project lacks a viable business case due to uncertain hydrogen demand and shifting German energy plans.
As of 2024-2025, green hydrogen remains more expensive than grey hydrogen, with India's levelised cost of green hydrogen (LCOH) estimated at $3.5-5/kg, compared to $2.3-2.5/kg for grey hydrogen. However, costs are expected to decline due to falling renewable power prices, economies of scale in electrolyser production, and technological improvements enhancing efficiency and durability. Expanding hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines and storage, will further cut logistics costs. While government incentives, carbon pricing, and low-cost green financing are also improving project viability.
Market Segmentation
Industrial Sector Dominates Global Hydrogen Demand and Pipeline Development
According to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) demand for hydrogen remains concentrated in traditional sectors including, oil refining (41 Mt), ammonia production (33 Mt) and methanol production (16 Mt), which account for most of hydrogen demand as of now, while steel accounts for 5 Mt (IEA, 2024). Nearly all hydrogen consumed in the US is used by industry for refining petroleum, treating metals, producing fertilizer and other chemicals, and processing foods.
The industrial sector continues to be the primary driver of hydrogen pipeline demand, as industries such as steel, refining, and chemicals work to cut carbon emissions. Europe, in particular, is advancing several key projects to integrate hydrogen into its energy and industrial networks. For instance, in March 2024, Nowega, OGE, and Thyssengas have signed a realisation agreement with thyssenkrupp Steel to connect its Duisburg steelworks to Germany's future hydrogen core network and the Dutch import route. The project, part of the GET H2 initiative, includes new and converted pipelines set to be operational by 2027, with thyssenkrupp's connection ready by 2028. The move supports thyssenkrupp's plan to shift to green hydrogen-based steel production, cutting CO2 emissions by up to 3.5 million tonnes annually.
The global hydrogen pipeline is further divided by region, including North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and the Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and the Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America).
North America Is Leading the Global Hydrogen Pipeline Market
The North America hydrogen pipeline market is leading the global expansion owing to the established hydrogen infrastructure and industrial base, government support and funding programs, rising industrial and power sector demand, decarbonization and energy security goals, and new project development and large-scale investments. The US and Canada are developing large-scale hydrogen infrastructure to cut carbon emissions and support industrial decarbonization. Over the next five years, 76 green hydrogen projects are planned in the US, backed by $36 billion in investment. States such as Texas, Louisiana, Alabama and California are leading the charge in hydrogen development. In 2026, several major facilities are set to begin operations, marking a significant step forward in the country's clean energy transition.
The US currently has one of the most developed hydrogen transport infrastructures across the globe, supporting its strong industrial base and growing clean energy initiatives. Approximately 1,600 miles of hydrogen pipelines are currently operating in the US. Owned by merchant hydrogen producers, these pipelines are located where large hydrogen users, such as petroleum refineries and chemical plants, are concentrated such as the Gulf Coast region.
Europe Continues To Be a Stronghold for the Hydrogen Pipeline Market Globally
Europe holds a significant share hydrogen pipeline market owing growing demand for clean energy & decarbonization goals, government policies and hydrogen strategies, cross-border hydrogen trade & dedicated hydrogen infrastructure. Europe is taking major steps to develop a large-scale hydrogen infrastructure to support its clean energy transition and strengthen energy security. A key part of this effort is the European Hydrogen Backbone (EHB) initiative, a project aims to construct a network of 58,000 km of hydrogen pipelines by 2024, of which about 60% will be made from repurposed natural gas pipelines. Together with port terminals and subterranean storage facilities, this network will stabilize energy supply and demand throughout Europe, lowering the cost of the energy transition and lowering reliance on outside sources. Countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain are leading the rollout of repurposed natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport.
The major companies operating in the global hydrogen pipeline market include Corinth Pipeworks S.A., Mannesmann Line Pipe GmbH, thyssenkrupp AG, Tenaris S.A., Vallourec among others. Market players are leveraging partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisition strategies for business expansion and innovative product development to maintain their market positioning.
Recent Developments