IEA report shows rising global demand for low‑carbon hydrogen amid supply‑chain worries

The International Energy Agency's Global Hydrogen Review, published on 18 June 2026, notes that geopolitical turmoil—particularly the Middle‑East conflict—has revived interest in hydrogen and hydrogen‑based fuels as a way to strengthen long‑term energy security. Global hydrogen demand exceeded 100 million tonnes in 2025, with low‑carbon hydrogen production growing 20 % to almost 1 million tonnes, yet the sector remains far from the scale needed for an immediate impact. Persistent obstacles such as high costs, uncertain demand, complex regulations and insufficient infrastructure continue to slow progress, and fertilizer markets have felt the strain, with urea prices doubling between January and May 2026.

A separate study by Italy's ENEA and the University of Tuscia, published in the Journal of Hydrogen Energy, finds that hydrogen fuel‑cell trucks are up to 55 % more cost‑competitive than battery‑electric trucks on routes longer than 300 km for vehicles weighing 3.5‑18 tonnes. Battery‑electric trucks incur higher total‑ownership costs due to expensive batteries and larger pack volumes, while fuel‑cell trucks benefit from lower purchase and operating costs and more flexible power delivery.