Global white hydrogen market expected to reach $56.8 million by 2030
BCC Research forecasts that the global white hydrogen market will reach $56.8 million by 2030.
The market size forecast is $56.8 million, with cost effectiveness and innovation in the development of new hydrogen technologies driving the market. The market is growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.1% for the forecast period of 2025-2030.
BCC Research says, “as industries face rising costs in their pursuit of carbon neutrality, naturally occurring white hydrogen presents a promising, low-impact alternative to green hydrogen, biofuels, and carbon capture, offering a more accessible and sustainable route to decarbonisation.”
What is white hydrogen?
White hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, is defined as the hydrogen produced through natural underground processes, such as serpentinisation, a process in which water encounters iron-rich rocks underground. It is extracted through fracking, which requires drilling through and injecting water into hydrogen deposits.
The hydrogen is then isolated from any other gases and purified. The US Geological Survey estimates that around 5.6 trillion tonnes of hydrogen are trapped in geological formations – providing a potentially inexpensive way to access zero-carbon fuels.
BCC say that white hydrogen emits 50 times less than grey hydrogen (produced using methane), and doesn’t require any fossil fuels during its production.
What’s causing the market to grow?
BCC Research notes two factors driving the market’s growth: cost effectiveness and technological innovation.
- Cost effectiveness: Due to white hydrogen being naturally occurring, it requires much lower production costs than that of green or blue hydrogen. It can be extracted directly from the ground, avoiding high energy and infrastructure costs.
- Technological innovation: Advances in geological mapping, drilling and sensor systems are just some of the technologies making it easier to locate and extract white hydrogen. These advances reduce risks and costs, providing more confidence for potential investors.
Who is leading the market?
Asia-Pacific holds the highest market share at 44.9%, followed by the Americas. This is likely due to fuel cell capacity expansion in Japan and South Korea, capacity enhancement of fuel cells EVs, and improvements in hydrogen infrastructure.
In terms of company market leaders, BCC Research has provided a list:
- Chapman Hydrogen and Petroleum Engineering Ltd.
- Gold H2
- Gold Hydrogen Ltd.
- H2AU
- Helios
- Hydroma Inc.
- Hyterra Ltd.
- Koloma
- Natural Hydrogen Energy LLC.
- Solexperts AG
What can we expect for the future?
More investment in the white hydrogen market means more initiatives into exploring potential white hydrogen locations, and encouraging hydrogen energy usage. The US Department of Energy has overseen a number already, such as the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Program. Additionally, the US Geological Survey released a map of potential white hydrogen locations in the US earlier this year.
BCC Research highlights several emerging startups, including Gold H2, which broke into the market leader list just three years after its founding. The company uses its own ‘Black 2 Gold’ technology to produce gold hydrogen. Gold hydrogen refers to naturally occurring hydrogen created underground by microbes feeding on hydrocarbons.
Another recognised startup is Snowfox Discovery, founded in the UK in 2023. It aims to accelerate technological development and expand white hydrogen opportunities globally.
