From three Italian economists, the first study examining hydrogen production in 27 European countries, highlighting the disparities due to different energy policies and industrial capacities. Germany's undisputed leader
In Italy, 41 facilities are active in the production of H2
Which country has the largest production capacity for hydrogen in Europe? And what is the most excellent efficiency? Which European countries have strong support policies for the carrier and which appear to be lagging in development? Today, a new scientific publication authored entirely by Italians addresses these and other questions, titled “Regional Disparities and Strategic Implications of Hydrogen Production in 27 European Countries.” The study – the authors Cosimo Magazzino, Marco Mele, and Angelo Leogrande write in the introduction – “examines hydrogen production in 27 European countries, highlighting the disparities due to differing energy policies and industrial capacities.” It reveals how a significant part of such capabilities – about 40 per cent – is still unused today.
The picture that emerges is quite heterogeneous and reveals more surprises than expected. But let’s go in order.
Hydrogen production in Europe: number of plants and production capacity
Regarding the number of operational plants for H2, Germany tops the list. The country is the undisputed leader with 109 active facilities on its territory, with a production capacity of over 2.1 million tons per year. The highest in Europe.
In reality, the top position isn’t all that surprising. Berlin has set the most ambitious targets in this area within the Bloc, including 5 GW of electrolysis plants to be activated by 2030. Allocating significant funding to support its national strategy for hydrogen.
In the rankings for facilities, Poland follows with 148 structures and a production capacity of 1,104,771 tons per year. In fact, in terms of capacity, it is surpassed by the Netherlands, which, despite having only 33 active plants, could generate up to 1,424,258 tons of hydrogen each year.
France’s bronze medal, earned by its 50 facilities and total cumulative capacity of 822,712 tons per year, is an excellent placement.
The United Kingdom ranks 4th in the number of facilities (44) established but slips to 6th place in production capacity (783,673 tons/year). Italy, fifth in active facilities with 41 plants built, surpasses the UK in installed capacity with 829,240 tons per year.
The annual production data and efficiency
But between capacity and actual production, things change. With 1,743,512 tons of H2 per year, Germany significantly surpasses other nations. The Netherlands follows with 975,233 tons, Poland with 784,637 tons, Spain with 614,470, and then Italy with 607,913.
Another interesting piece of information is the analysis of hydrogen production per facility in European countries. In this case, the data provides information on operational efficiency and the scale of national plants, revealing that among the 27 countries analyzed, Lithuania stands out with the highest production. 71,843.47 tons per plant.
The study has been published in Regional Science and Environmental Economics.
