Decentralised. Diverse. Independent.
Decentralised hydrogen production is becoming increasingly important, and various technical solutions are already available on the market. Electrolysers are among the most prominent technologies used for decentralised hydrogen production.
Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) electrolysers play a particularly important role. Their compact and modular design makes them suitable for a wide range of applications. Capacities range from small units suitable for domestic use to medium-sized systems designed for industrial applications. Prices for medium-sized systems start at around €500,000. One example is ITM Power, which offers PEM electrolysers with capacities ranging from 1 to 10 MW.
In addition to PEM electrolysers, alkaline electrolysers are also widely used. These systems are typically larger and particularly suitable for industrial applications. Their capacities range from a few kilowatts to several megawatts, with prices for larger industrial systems starting at around €300,000. Companies such as Nel Hydrogen and McPhy offer alkaline electrolysers in a variety of capacities.
Another important technology is the Solid Oxide Electrolyser (SOE), which tends to be larger and heavier than PEM and alkaline electrolysers. These systems are highly scalable and particularly suitable for industrial applications. Due to their advanced technology, they are more expensive, with larger systems starting at approximately €1 million. Companies such as Bloom Energy develop and manufacture SOE systems.
Environmental Protection Creates Value. Short-Sightedness Does Not.
The market for hydrogen electrolysers was valued at approximately USD 588 million in 2023 and is expected to grow to more than USD 2 billion by 2032. Key market participants include Air Liquide, Ballard Power Systems, Enapter, ITM Power, McPhy, Nel Hydrogen and Siemens AG. These companies continue to advance the technology through ongoing innovation and strategic partnerships. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the market for decentralised hydrogen production is growing rapidly, supported by public funding programmes and ambitious climate targets.
The EU Hydrogen Strategy supports the installation of 40 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, further increasing demand for decentralised solutions. Germany represents a particularly important European market with considerable growth potential, supported by the promotion of green hydrogen and investment in the necessary infrastructure. The markets in Austria and Switzerland are also expanding, driven by national climate strategies and innovation programmes, while the use of hydrogen solutions in industry and transport continues to increase.
In Ukraine, the market for decentralised hydrogen production is still relatively small, but interest in renewable energy and greater independence from fossil fuels is increasing. The development of the market offers potential for international cooperation and
investment in green technologies.
In summary, decentralised hydrogen production offers a wide range of technical solutions that can be flexibly adapted to different requirements. With a rapidly growing market and supportive policy frameworks in Europe and internationally, the importance of this technology is expected to continue increasing in the years ahead.
