PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803380
PUBLISHER: Prescient & Strategic Intelligence | PRODUCT CODE: 1803380
The blue hydrogen market was valued at USD 20.9 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%, reaching USD 53.8 billion by 2032. This growth is driven by the increasing need for sustainable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels, especially amid rising crude oil prices and global energy security concerns. Blue hydrogen, produced through the steam-methane reforming (SMR) process with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), provides a cleaner alternative to conventional hydrogen production methods that emit significant carbon.
The demand for blue hydrogen is growing as industries across the globe look for ways to decarbonize their operations. It is seen as a viable option for hard-to-decarbonize sectors, such as steel production, aviation, and heavy-duty transport, where direct electrification is not practical. This fuel is becoming increasingly important in industries like chemical manufacturing, petroleum refining, and energy production, as companies seek to lower their carbon emissions and adopt more sustainable practices.
Additionally, the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and the implementation of supportive policies and government incentives are helping accelerate the adoption of blue hydrogen. For example, the U.S. and European governments are offering subsidies and tax credits to boost the development of hydrogen technologies.
Key Insights
Technological Advancements in Hydrogen Production: The steam-methane reforming (SMR) process remains the dominant method for blue hydrogen production, accounting for 75% of the market share in 2024. This process is being enhanced by innovations like in-house pressure swing absorption purification, which allows for efficient production of high-purity hydrogen. The growing adoption of auto-thermal reforming (ATR) technologies is expected to accelerate the growth of the market as it offers more efficient ways to produce hydrogen.
Government Support and Investment: Governments worldwide are implementing policies and incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to low-carbon energy sources. In March 2025, Saudi ARAMCO's acquisition of a 50% stake in Blue Hydrogen Industrial Gases Company illustrates the drive to scale up industrial carbon reduction efforts. Similarly, the U.S. is investing in large-scale blue hydrogen projects, such as ExxonMobil's Baytown facility, which aims to capture 10 million metric tons of CO2 annually.
High Demand in the Chemical and Petroleum Industries: Blue hydrogen is increasingly being used in petroleum refineries for processes like hydrocracking and desulfurization of crude oil. The chemical industry is also a key consumer of blue hydrogen, utilizing it to produce ammonia, methanol, and other chemicals. The adoption of blue hydrogen in these industries is expected to grow rapidly, particularly in regions such as North America, Europe, and the Middle East, where large-scale projects are underway.
Regional Growth: North America is currently the largest market for blue hydrogen, driven by the U.S. and Canada's commitment to clean energy and hydrogen technologies. Investments in hydrogen infrastructure are expected to rise significantly in the coming years, with at least three large-scale projects anticipated to proceed in 2025. Europe, particularly countries like Germany, France, and the U.K., is expected to grow at the highest CAGR due to significant investments in blue hydrogen production and transportation infrastructure, supported by EU subsidies and tax incentives.
Challenges in Production Costs: One of the key barriers to the growth of blue hydrogen is the high production cost, primarily due to the use of natural gas as the feedstock in the SMR process, along with the carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies required to reduce emissions. This makes blue hydrogen more expensive compared to green hydrogen, which has seen decreasing costs thanks to advancements in electrolysis technology.