The State of Energy Innovation | IEA
Patent activity in low-emission hydrogen technologies continues to grow, particularly in China, Europe, and the United States – reflecting strong innovation momentum in electrolysis, storage, and hydrogen-based fuels.
hydrogen-related projects highlighted in the report:
HyNet (United Kingdom) – Developing a full-scale hydrogen and carbon capture infrastructure in the North West to decarbonize industry and heating.
Stegra and HYBRIT (Sweden) – World-first initiatives replacing coal in steelmaking with hydrogen, recently starting large-scale pilot operations.
Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC, Australia–Japan) – demonstrating the world’s first international liquefied hydrogen supply route, transporting hydrogen from coal gasification in Australia to Japan.
Kawasaki’s liquefied hydrogen carrier – Another critical step in enabling global hydrogen trade, now entering operational trials.
Sunfire (Germany) – developing advanced high-temperature electrolysers (SOEC), enabling efficient green hydrogen production from renewable electricity.
Much of the patent leadership stems from countries investing heavily in modular, scalable electrolysis technologies, often tied to renewable integration and industrial decarbonization. The IEA notes China now leads in total energy-related patents, with over 95% focused on low-emissions technologies like hydrogen.
