Less than a fifth of EU hydrogen pipeline ready by 2030, consultancy warns

Less than a fifth of the EU’s planned hydrogen production capacity is likely to come online by 2030, unless urgent action is taken to address gaps in policy, funding, and demand, according to new analysis from research-led consultancy Westwood Global Energy Group.

The research finds that only 17% of the EU’s current hydrogen project pipeline is likely to go ahead without further market support. While the bloc has made substantial funding commitments and set ambitious production targets, the report highlights regulatory delays, high costs, and weak demand as key barriers to progress.

By the end of 2024, 23 hydrogen projects across Europe totalling 29.2 GW had already been stalled or cancelled. The UK market faces similar difficulties, with Westwood estimating that between 1% and 24% of its hydrogen pipeline could be delivered by 2030 under current conditions.