Most of the world's hydrogen is produced from fossil fuels through chemical reactions. The chemical hydrogen generation market includes steam methane reforming (SMR) of natural gas and coal gasification. SMR reacts methane (CH4) with steam to produce hydrogen and carbon monoxide (CO), which is then shifted to CO2 and more H2. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "grey" hydrogen (without carbon capture) is the largest but most carbon-intensive. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "blue" hydrogen (with carbon capture) is growing.
The broader hydrogen generation market includes this segment. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "natural gas" as feedstock is dominant, as natural gas is widely available and low-cost. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "coal" gasification is used in regions with abundant coal (e.g., China). Coal gasification produces more CO2 per unit of hydrogen than SMR. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "biomass" gasification is a niche, renewable option.
The chemical hydrogen generation market for "carbon capture, utilization, and storage" (CCUS) is essential for blue hydrogen. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "post-combustion" capture (amines) is the most common. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "pre-combustion" capture (in gasification) is also used. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "CO2" utilization (e.g., for enhanced oil recovery, EOR) provides a revenue stream.
The chemical hydrogen generation market for "autothermal reforming" (ATR) is a variation of SMR that uses oxygen instead of steam for heating, producing a CO2-rich stream that is easier to capture. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "partial oxidation" (POX) is another process, used for heavy feedstocks. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "process" efficiency is a key metric; SMR is about 65-75% efficient (lower heating value).
The chemical hydrogen generation market for "scale" is important. Large, centralized SMR plants have lower unit costs. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "small-scale" SMR is used for on-site hydrogen production at fueling stations. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "modular" SMR is being developed.
Looking ahead, the chemical hydrogen generation market will see the retrofitting of existing grey hydrogen plants with carbon capture (to become blue). The chemical hydrogen generation market for "hydrogen" from natural gas with CCUS is expected to play a transitional role. The chemical hydrogen generation market for "methane pyrolysis" (producing hydrogen and solid carbon, not CO2) is an emerging technology.
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