Industrial hydrogen supply Industrial hydrogen supply focuses on providing large-scale, reliable hydrogen for sectors such as refining, chemicals, and energy, driving efficiency and supporting the transition to low-carbon processes.

The Industrial Hydrogen Supply chain encompasses the complete journey of hydrogen from its point of production to its various end-use applications in different industrial sectors. For decades, the vast majority of industrially used hydrogen has been produced through established, mature processes, predominantly the steam methane reforming of natural gas, a process which co-produces significant carbon dioxide. This product is often referred to as "grey" hydrogen.

The current supply infrastructure is highly optimized for this conventional production method. Hydrogen is often produced in very large, centralized facilities and then delivered to large-scale users, mainly through dedicated pipelines—a fixed network designed for continuous, high-volume delivery. For smaller or more distant users, hydrogen is transported as a compressed gas in tube trailers or, for very large volumes, as a cryogenic liquid in insulated tankers.

The industrial demand for hydrogen is primarily concentrated in a few key sectors. The two largest consumers are petroleum refining, where it's essential for upgrading crude oil and removing contaminants like sulfur, and the ammonia production industry, where it is a non-negotiable ingredient for creating nitrogen-based fertilizers via the Haber-Bosch process. As the world transitions toward cleaner energy, the industrial supply chain is poised for transformation, with emerging clean hydrogen production methods ("green" and "blue" hydrogen) gradually entering the existing and expanded supply networks to help these heavy-industry sectors decarbonize.

FAQs on Industrial Hydrogen Supply
What are the primary industrial uses for hydrogen today?

The two major industrial applications are in petroleum refining (for hydrotreating and hydrocracking) and the production of ammonia (for fertilizer manufacturing).

How is hydrogen typically transported to large industrial users?

For the largest, continuous users, hydrogen is most often supplied via dedicated pipeline networks. For others, it's transported in high-pressure tube trailers or as a chilled liquid in tanker trucks.

Is the existing industrial hydrogen infrastructure suitable for the clean energy transition?

The existing infrastructure, particularly the pipelines, can potentially be repurposed or supplemented to handle clean hydrogen. However, a significant expansion of new, dedicated infrastructure for production, storage, and transport will be necessary to meet the projected high-volume demand from new sectors like transportation and steelmaking.