PUBLISHER: The Insight Partners | PRODUCT CODE: 1819704
PUBLISHER: The Insight Partners | PRODUCT CODE: 1819704
The hydrogen compressor market in the Middle East and Africa is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 179.54 million by 2035, up from US$ 84.17 million in 2023. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7% from 2024 to 2035.
Executive Summary and Market Analysis
The Middle East and Africa region is home to some of the largest hydrogen production facilities globally, including the NEOM Helios project and the Oman Acme Group. The region benefits from high solar irradiation levels, making it an ideal location for renewable energy generation. With substantial investments in logistics and infrastructure, the Middle East and Africa are well-positioned to scale up green hydrogen production and export it to meet the increasing global demand.
Governments in this region are heavily investing in hydrogen production to diversify their economies, create jobs, and lead the energy transition. While many green hydrogen initiatives are still in the planning phase, notable projects like NEOM Helios and the Ain Sokhna Complex in Egypt are currently under construction. Between 2020 and 2022, over 45 new hydrogen projects were announced, collectively valued at more than US$ 100 billion, with a total capacity exceeding 10 metric tons of hydrogen per year. In 2023, the Middle East Economic Digest (MEED) reported that more than 50 projects in the region accounted for over US$ 150 billion in investments.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading with projects worth US$ 10.5 billion and US$ 10.28 billion, respectively, while Egypt has committed US$ 63.8 billion. Oman follows closely with US$ 48.9 billion in various hydrogen initiatives. These projects include a green hydrogen hub by Oman Acme Group, a green hydrogen and ammonia complex by OQ, ACWA Power, and Air Products in Salalah, and a hydrogen export plant by POSCO in Saudi Arabia. The UAE is also developing a green ammonia complex by TAQA Group. With these ongoing investments, the region is set to play a pivotal role in the global green hydrogen sector, which is expected to drive growth in the hydrogen compressor market.
Market Segmentation Analysis
The hydrogen compressor market can be segmented by type, technology, and end-user.
Market Outlook
Electromechanical hydrogen compressors are currently in the research and development phase, focusing on electrochemical reactions, ionic liquids, and metal hydrides. Electrochemical compressors utilize proton exchange membranes lined with electrodes and a power source to facilitate hydrogen recombination at high pressures. The development of electrochemical hydrogen compressors (EHC) is crucial for achieving higher efficiency, lower costs, and improved durability. For example, HyET Group has developed electrochemical hydrogen compression technology designed to streamline the compression and purification process into a single piece of equipment, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing downtime.
In September 2023, Atlas Copco launched the H2P hydrogen compressor, which supports electrochemical electrolysis production. This innovation includes speed-controlled technologies to adapt to fluctuations in hydrogen production, optimizing efficiency and minimizing energy losses. Such advancements from key players are expected to contribute to the future growth of the hydrogen compressor market.
Country Insights
Geographically, the hydrogen compressor market in the Middle East and Africa includes countries such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Turkey, Namibia, Oman, Nigeria, Egypt, and others. Saudi Arabia held the largest market share in 2023, driven by the increasing demand for hydrogen across various industries, including manufacturing, energy, petrochemical refining, chemicals, aviation, and heavy machinery.
According to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Saudi Arabia produced approximately 13.4 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2023, up from 12.2 million barrels per day in 2022. This increase in oil production necessitates more machinery in petroleum refineries, thereby boosting the demand for hydrogen and driving market growth in the coming years.
Saudi Arabia's favorable climate for large-scale solar installations supports hydrogen production. The government aims to add around 27 GW of solar capacity by the end of 2023 and over 58 GW by 2030. The commitment to green hydrogen is evident through various initiatives and investments, including the NEOM Green Hydrogen Complex, a joint venture valued at US$ 8.4 billion, which aims to be the world's largest renewable hydrogen-to-ammonia facility by 2026.
Company Profiles
Key players in the hydrogen compressor market include Atlas Copco AB, Burckhardt Compression AG, Fluitron, Inc., Gardner Denver Nash, LLC, Howden Group, HAUG Sauer Kompressoren AG, NEUMAN & ESSER GROUP, Hydro-Pac, Inc., Lenhardt & Wagner GmbH, PDC Machines Inc., Sundyne, and Ariel Corporation. These companies are pursuing strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to consumers.