Waste to Hydrogen Market By Type of Waste (Municipal Solid Waste, Industrial Waste, Agricultural Waste, Biomass), By Technology (Gasification, Pyrolysis, Anaerobic Digestion, Hydrothermal Liquefaction), By End-Use Industry (Power Generation, Transportation, Industrial Manufacturing, Residential & Commercial Applications, Chemical Production), and By Region; Global Insights & Forecast (2024 – 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Waste to Hydrogen Market was valued at USD 3.7 billion in 2023 and will surpass USD 22.7 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 29.6% during 2024 - 2030.

The Waste to Hydrogen Market is emerging as a crucial sector in the global push toward sustainable energy solutions. This market focuses on converting various types of waste into hydrogen, a clean and versatile energy source that is seen as key to achieving decarbonization goals. With increasing attention on the circular economy and the need to reduce waste going to landfills, waste-to-hydrogen technologies present a dual solution for waste management and energy production. These technologies are expected to grow rapidly due to their ability to produce hydrogen from waste materials such as municipal solid waste, agricultural byproducts, and industrial waste. As countries look to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and adopt cleaner alternatives, this market is gaining significant momentum across various regions and industries.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) Segment is Largest Owing to its High Availability and Versatility

The Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) segment holds the largest share in the waste-to-hydrogen market. MSW includes everyday items discarded by the public, such as paper, food scraps, plastics, and other household waste. The sheer volume of MSW generated globally makes it an abundant feedstock for hydrogen production. MSW is often disposed of in landfills or through incineration, but the conversion of this waste into hydrogen through technologies like gasification or pyrolysis provides a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative. Given its availability and the growing need for sustainable waste management, MSW continues to drive significant investments in hydrogen production technologies.

Moreover, MSW-based hydrogen production helps in addressing multiple challenges simultaneously. It reduces landfill waste, lowers carbon emissions, and provides a clean alternative fuel. Countries that generate large amounts of MSW are increasingly looking to adopt these technologies to meet environmental targets while also reducing waste. This combination of economic, environmental, and regulatory drivers makes MSW a leading segment in the market.

Gasification Technology is Fastest Growing Owing to Its Efficiency and Scalability

Among the various technologies used in converting waste to hydrogen, gasification is the fastest-growing. Gasification is a thermochemical process that converts carbon-containing materials, such as waste, into syngas (a mixture of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and other gases) at high temperatures in the presence of a controlled amount of oxygen. This process is highly efficient and scalable, making it well-suited for large-scale hydrogen production. Gasification technology is particularly attractive because it can handle a wide variety of feedstocks, including municipal solid waste, agricultural waste, and even plastics.

The rapid growth of gasification technology in the waste-to-hydrogen market is driven by its ability to produce clean hydrogen while simultaneously reducing landfill waste. Gasification can also be integrated with other technologies, such as combined heat and power (CHP), which can further improve the economic viability of waste-to-hydrogen projects. As environmental regulations tighten and the demand for renewable energy rises, gasification technology is expected to become increasingly popular, particularly in regions focusing on decarbonization and the circular economy.

Power Generation Industry is Largest End-Use Industry for Waste to Hydrogen

The Power Generation sector is the largest end-user of hydrogen produced from waste. Hydrogen has long been recognized as a potential clean fuel for power generation, especially in fuel cells and gas turbines. As governments worldwide work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, hydrogen produced from waste presents a promising alternative to fossil fuels, allowing for cleaner electricity generation. This is particularly significant in the context of decarbonizing the energy sector, where traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas are being phased out in favor of renewables and hydrogen.

Hydrogen's ability to store and provide energy in a variety of forms makes it a valuable asset for power generation. By converting waste materials into hydrogen, power plants can operate more sustainably, reduce their carbon footprint, and even increase energy efficiency. As the demand for cleaner energy solutions grows, the role of waste-derived hydrogen in the power generation industry is expected to expand rapidly in the coming years.

Asia-Pacific is the Fastest Growing Region in the Waste to Hydrogen Market

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is poised to be the fastest-growing region in the waste-to-hydrogen market. Countries like China, India, and Japan are rapidly adopting waste-to-energy technologies to manage their increasing waste volumes and meet stringent environmental regulations. In particular, China is leading the charge in waste-to-hydrogen initiatives, leveraging its large-scale waste management systems and commitment to reducing carbon emissions. India and Japan are also making significant investments in renewable energy technologies, including waste-to-hydrogen, as part of their strategies to combat air pollution and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

The APAC region is particularly attractive for waste-to-hydrogen projects due to its large population, high levels of industrial activity, and growing need for sustainable energy solutions. With governments increasingly prioritizing clean energy and circular economy models, APAC is expected to witness rapid growth in this sector, supported by favorable policies, investments, and technology adoption.

Leading Companies and Competitive Landscape

The Waste to Hydrogen Market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several key players leading the charge in developing innovative technologies for hydrogen production. Companies like Air Products and Chemicals, Ballard Power Systems, Plug Power, and Siemens Energy are at the forefront of advancing waste-to-hydrogen technologies. These companies are investing heavily in research and development, partnerships, and strategic alliances to expand their market share and improve the efficiency of waste-to-hydrogen processes.

The competitive landscape is characterized by a mix of established energy companies, technology providers, and emerging start-ups focused on waste-to-energy solutions. Collaboration between technology providers and waste management firms is crucial in driving the scale and efficiency of hydrogen production. As the market grows, players are likely to focus on increasing the scalability of their solutions and ensuring that the production of hydrogen from waste is both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable

List of Leading Companies:

• Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
• Ballard Power Systems
• Siemens Energy
• Hazer Group
• Plug Power
• BASF SE
• Johnson Matthey
• Nel ASA
• EnviTec Biogas AG
• Linde plc
• McPhy Energy
• Hydrogenics (A Cummins Inc. Company)
• Fortum
• Xebec Adsorption Inc.
• SSE Renewables

Recent Developments:

• Air Products has initiated a large-scale waste-to-hydrogen project in Europe, focusing on transforming municipal waste into hydrogen using advanced gasification technology. The project is expected to produce thousands of tonnes of clean hydrogen annually.
• Plug Power has entered a strategic partnership with Amazon to provide hydrogen fueling infrastructure for Amazon’s logistics and delivery network, supporting its goal of reducing carbon emissions.
• Siemens Energy has expanded its waste-to-hydrogen production capabilities through a new facility in Germany. The facility uses advanced pyrolysis technology to convert waste into clean hydrogen, contributing to the company’s decarbonization goals.
• Ballard Power Systems has developed a new range of hydrogen fuel cells optimized for use in industrial manufacturing applications. These fuel cells aim to support clean hydrogen adoption across sectors such as chemicals and metals.
• Linde has unveiled a new hydrogen production facility in the U.S. that leverages pyrolysis technology to convert industrial waste into hydrogen. The plant is designed to support the growing demand for low-carbon hydrogen in energy and transport sectors.

Report Scope: