Hydrogen Valve Market Size, Share, Growth, Report 2024 to 2033

Hydrogen Valve Market Size and Growth 2024 to 2033

The global hydrogen valve market size was valued at USD 320 million in 2023 and is expected to be worth around USD 650 million by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.34% from 2024 to 2033.

The hydrogen valve market involves a specialized valve that controls the flow of hydrogen gas in systems that use it at high pressures or low temperatures. Hydrogen valves are critical safety components that must meet challenging operating conditions and safety requirements. The design of these valves also addresses the challenges posed by hydrogen, including its flammability, metal-embrittling effect, and compact size. Key market trends include growing hydrogen infrastructure and rising emphasis on hydrogen-powered vehicles across the globe. Additionally, there is a rising demand for valves due to increasing emphasis on clean energy adoption and ammonia production. As industries continue to adopt hydrogen technologies, the demand for specialized valves will grow, driving innovations that enhance safety, efficiency, and reliability across these sectors.

• According to the 16th annual assessment of H2stations.org by Ludwig-Bölkow-Systemtechnik, In 2023, 37 new hydrogen stations were opened in Europe, 12 in Japan, 29 in South Korea, and 7 in North America, with 92% of these stations capable of refuelling heavy-duty vehicles. Meanwhile 40 countries have a hydrogen refuelling infrastructure in operation or under construction.
• In May 2023, KITZ and JPN H2YDRO are partnering to develop a hydrogen station for the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vessels. The joint venture will provide a bunkering facility for filling tugboats with hydrogen-dual fuel combustion engines, which are currently under research and development by JPN H2YDRO.
• Acme Cryogenics, part of OPW Clean Energy Solutions and Dover, has introduced two new valves to meet increasing hydrogen market demands.

Report Highlights

• Asia-Pacific has captured leading revenue share of around 34.70% in 2023.
• North America hold second position and accounted revenue share of 29.20% in 2023.
• By application, the hydrogen storage has held revenue share of around 39.70% in 2023.
• By material, the stainless steel segment has generated revenue share of 46.80% in 2023.

Hydrogen Valve Market Growth Factors

• Rising Hydrogen Energy Initiatives: Different governments or regions enact certain benefits like subsidies, grants, and policy measures to develop and promote the use of hydrogen energy that can reduce carbon emissions and therefore the consumption and production of hydrogen fuel within that region as well.
• Growing Shift Towards Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles: Hydrogen fuel shift has led to the increased demand in hydrogen valves market. Hydrogen valves produce electricity by using a fuel cell which combines hydrogen with oxygen. This electrical production is the most critical in the case of the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle as it acts as an alternative cleaner source of energy with the advantages of zero emissions and less time to refuel as well as serving over long distances.
• Technological Advancements: Hydrogen valves have been undergoing technological development in terms of valve materials and valve apparatus geometry, and advances in valve production technologies. Presumably, new valves produced today and with reasonable service today are capable of withstanding a large hydrogen pressure leak tight factor with a minimum of leakage and all these factors serve to augment the market size.
• Investment in Renewable Energy Technologies: As the proportion of electricity generated by renewable energy sources, wind and solar in particular, increases in the grid, hydrogen energy technology will make energy conversion and storage cost-effective. Hydrogens have been classified as a flex and scale solution for surplus renewable energy storage which enables increased renewable power contribution and addresses intermittency problems and grid reliability.
• Growing Demand for Ammonia Fertilizer and Refrigerants: Hydrogen valves are critical components in ammonia production since it is necessary to control hydrogen at certain pressures, corresponding valves are made which only open when such pressure is exceeded to avoid strain and the hydrogen control valve protects equipment. With the increasing market for ammonia hydrogen production, there will also be a parallel shift demand for hydrogen valves.
• Increasing Industrial Hydrogen Use: Hydrogen valves are used in all industrial applications, including refineries, ammonia production, and steel production. All of these continue to grow, and hence the demand for hydrogen valves goes higher. This fact ensures safe as well as effective utilization of hydrogen.

Hydrogen Valve Market Trends

• Green hydrogen: This is a renewable fuel that can make the use of fossil fuels much more environmentally friendly. Hydrogen valves play a key role in its generation and consumption. It generates it through deriving power from geothermal, solar, or wind facilities or nuclear power and electrolyzer plants.
• Energy Transition and Electrification: Hydrogen is used as a climate-friendly alternative to fossil fuels in industry, commerce, mobility, heat generation, and power generation. Hydrogen will be the flexible energy carrier, filling the supply and demand gaps, especially in transportation and heavy industry areas; hence, it needs robust systems, including valves.
• Expansion of Fuel Cell Applications: Hydrogen valves are used in various applications. Such applications include fuel cell systems. In hydrogen storage systems, they regulate hydrogen flow and pressure to ensure safe and efficient use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Liquid hydrogen valves are applied in hydrogen fuelling stations to regulate the flow. They are used in fuel cell systems in automotive, transportation, portable devices, and stationary applications. The other application of hydrogen valves is in hydrogen production and industrial processing, which involves steelmaking and food production.
• Product Innovations and Designs: New hydrogen valve market innovations are yielding improved performance, safety, and efficiency in hydrogen storage and distribution. Such designs achieve pressures of up to 1000 bar and can easily be used in hydrogen refuelling stations and fuel cell vehicles, thus guaranteeing safe operations.
• Intelligence and Automation: Hydrogen valves have developed greater levels of intelligence and automation in their design-from the employment of sensor technologies in looking at the actual valve conditions-in real time-to the applications of automatic control systems-resulting in higher system efficiency because valves can become much more flexible, being adapted to changes in systems.

Report Scope

Hydrogen Valve Market Dynamics

Drivers

Rapid Adoption of Hydrogen as Clean Energy Fuel

• Hydrogen is gaining popularity as a clean energy fuel due its higher potential to curb greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen fuel produces water and heat in fuel cells as byproducts with minimal amount of NOx and SOx. Owing to these features hydrogen fuel can be utilized across different applications including fuel in cars, trucks, ships, houses, planes, and generators. Hydrogen as clean energy fuel acts as an energy carrier, storage, moving, and delivering energy from other sources.  These features

Growth in Hydrogen-Powered Infrastructure

• Hydrogen is increasingly being used in renewable energy projects as a form of energy storage, in which hydrogen valves play a very essential role in controlling flow between production units and storage tanks and electricity generation systems. Hydrogen refueling stations have also seen an increase due to a higher increase in hydrogen vehicles that need their specific valves in high-pressure storage and delivery systems.

Restraints

Higher Initial Cost

• Hydrogen valves tend to be costly in producing, primarily because they must be made from stainless steel, Inconel, and hydrogen-compatible elastomers to withstand operational pressure and hydrogen embrittlement. This is expensive in production, and that somehow restricts its use within the market, especially on small scales of projects. While the cost of production of hydrogen would be upswelling, as well as including the infrastructure in the form of valves, pipes, and refuelling stations, which discourages wide-scale use even more, especially of green hydrogen from renewable sources, in developing countries.

There are also low-cost options as well

• Low-cost alternative technologies in the form of hydrogen-fuel cell-based transportation including BEVs, biofuels, compressed natural gas, methanol, and propane are available, which can be a more cost-effective and sustainable alternative. This limits hydrogen fuel growth in various applications. Innovations in lithium-ion batteries and electrification of heavy vehicles also limit the market growth across the globe.

Opportunities

Hydrogen for Use in IC Engine Vehicles

• Hydrogen IC engines are in high demand due to the after-effects of sustainable transportation and clean energy policies in many economies. Though widely known for its usage in fuel cells, hydrogen is increasingly being used as a green energy carrier to cope with the rising energy demand for the power grid and balance future carbon reduction targets within the domain of strong, proven engines, thereby offering abundant growth opportunities for the global hydrogen valve market.

Public-Private Partnerships and Government Incentives

• Governments are investing in hydrogen infrastructure projects, and therefore, this provides the potential for the manufacturers of hydrogen valves to provide them for large-scale projects. International hydrogen trade, particularly in the renewable hydrogen exportation, is also increasing. Countries such as Australia and Saudi Arabia have surfaced as primary exporters, and therefore, this will increase the demand for hydrogen valves in transport, which will include pipelines and liquefied hydrogen shipping.

Challenges

Extreme Flammability and Embrittlement Due To Hydrogen

• Hydrogen flammability and embrittling properties make valve design and construction difficult. Very high flame speed and very low minimum ignition energy of hydrogen make it burn easily, ignite spontaneously in air or oxygen, or explode when mixed with oxygen or air. Erosion of the microstructure of metal by hydrogen atoms makes the metal brittle and less resistant to loads, thus cracking and leaking or catastrophically failing in equipment and infrastructure, and therefore, compatibility between metals and non-metallic material in the choice of hydrogen valve material.

Possibility of Leaks in Packaging and Joints

• This is the largest issue due to the unique properties possessed by hydrogen, which can leak through small defects of holes in valve materials, seals, and joints. Hydrogen has lightest and smallest molecule, which can easily leak through small imperfections of holes in valve materials, seals, and joints. Valves and similar equipment were the most affected parts when constructing hydrogen pipes, which is a key challenge in hydrogen joints.

Hydrogen Valve Market Segmental Analysis

Product Analysis

Hydrogen Check Valves: Hydrogen check valves are one-way flow components that are inserted in the hydrogen systems to avoid backflow and ensure hydrogen flows in the right direction. They are very important in hydrogen fuel stations, pipelines, and storage facilities as backflow can cause equipment or contamination.

Hydrogen Needle Valves: Hydrogen needle valves are specific types used in precision flow control that allow for proper flow regulation of hydrogen in gas or liquid state in the entire system or any appliance. It has a thin plunger that helps to make slight variations when regulating the hydrogen flow.

Hydrogen Pressure Relief Valves: Hydrogen pressure relief valves are installed wherever the risks stem from the hydrogen circuit, high pressure hydrogen tanks, compressor, pressure tanks, CNG-applications, as well as the pressure cylinder pack. They avoid equipment failure or damage due to rise in pressure since these devices vent off excess pressure whenever the system operative pressure exceeds a pre-set level, and then shut when system pressure drops below a set level.

Hydrogen Pressure Solenoid Valves:  Hydrogen pressure solenoid valves are small energy-efficient electromechanical valves used in a wide range of industrial and automotive applications. The product is compact, with low energy consumption, and it's very reliable.

Pressure Regulating Valves: Hydrogen pressure regulating valve reduces hydrogen gas pressure from a high-pressure storage tank to the level of a fuel cell stack. It is a critical component in the development of CO2-free fuel cell vehicles, these valves provide reliable and constant hydrogen pressure under all conditions and protect hydrogen circuits, pipes, and tanks.

Material Analysis

Stainless Steel

The stainless steel segment has dominating the market, captured revenue share of 46.80% in 2023. Hydrogen valves commonly use stainless steel offering resistance from corrosion acting as a strong and sturdy. It is very durable both to internal pressure higher than normal, and also to operational temperature lower than expected. Stainless steel valves are used in high-pressure hydrogen systems, such as refuelling stations, storage tanks, pipelines, and industrial applications.

Aluminum

The aluminum segment has generated revenue share of 34.70% in 2023. In contrast to its weight, aluminum possesses good corrosion and heat transfer characteristics which makes it suitable for hydrogen valve applications. It is used in low to medium pressure hydrogen systems, including transportation and mobile storage systems, and also in more lightweight applications as portable hydrogen storage vessels, hydrogen-powered transport, and drones.

Others

Others segment has reported revenue share of 18.50% in 2023. Other metals utilized during the production of hydrogen valves include nickel alloys, titanium, polymers, and composites, among others. Nickel alloys such as Inconel and Hastelloy find applications in hydrogen processing plants, fuel cells, and aerospace to maintain resistance to hydrogen embrittlement, high temperatures, and corrosion.

Application Analysis

Hydrogen Production

The hydrogen production segment has accounted revenue share of 22.60% in 2023. Hydrogen Valves are used in the three primary processes: electrolysis, steam methane reforming (SMR), and biomass gasification. They are used to control the gas flows in the production process but are also useful in safety applications besides providing the necessary pressure levels in reactors, electrolysers, etc.

Hydrogen Fueling Station

The hydrogen fueling station segment has garnered revenue share of 11.30% in 2023. Hydrogen valves are the core of hydrogen fuelling stations as they are believed to regulate the safe transfer of hydrogen from the storage tanks to the vehicles' fuel cells. They decide on pressure regarding the existence of suitable pressure and volume pertaining to the safety procedure.

Hydrogen Storage

The hydrogen storage segment has dominated the market, accounted revenue share of 39.70% in 2023. Hydrogen storage valves play a very prominent role in storage since they ensure safe confinement under extreme pressure. Filling, discharge, and venting of the processes in tanks and containers must be done within secure means in order to allow safe storage and release.

Hydrogen Transportation

The hydrogen transportation segment has held revenue share of 18.40% in 2023. Hydrogen valves are supposed to be crucial for transporting hydrogen in order to store it safely and control the changes in hydrogen pressure transport. They maintain hydrogen flow in pipes, regulate it in tanks, and even offer a leak prevention and emergency shut-off facility.

Others

The others segment has generated revenue share of 8% in 2023. Others applications of hydrogen valve use in fuel cells, industrial hydrogen use, and research and development facilities. Other uses involve safe and efficient operations in systems where hydrogen is a fuel or energy carrier.

End-user Analysis

Oil & Gas: The oil and gas industry utilize hydrogen valves in critical operation as they handle hydrogen gas flow with regulated pressure for safe running. As the usage of clean energy is increasing, the demand for application-specific valves featuring high pressure along with a corrosive environment is growing.

Energy & Power: Hydrogen is used as a fuel used in hydrogen fuel cells to generate power. It is also a storage system for powering renewable energy sources, and control valves are utilised both in the facilities generating power and in the store. Demand for high-performance valves fosters adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology.

Pharmaceutical: Hydrogen valves in pharmaceutical industries are used to control the flow of hydrogen accurately enough with total safety and under legal compliance at synthesis processes. The demand for reliable and strongly built valves designed for high operation stresses is rapidly increasing.

Chemical: Hydrogen is an important feedstock in the chemical industry primarily for the production of ammonia and methanol. Valves regulate the hydrogen in the reactors and storage facilities. The pursuit of green ammonia production, which relies on renewable hydrogen, is thus driving demand for specialty valves.

Metals & Mining: Hydrogen is employed in metallurgical processes for the reduction of metal ores, and so high-performance valve solutions are needed in this area for safe and efficient operation, in particular because greener mining technologies in furnaces are gaining in importance and significantly increasing usage of hydrogen.

Automotive: The automobile industry places a lot of emphasis on zero-emission vehicles. This has increased investment in hydrogen fuel cell technology. With the growth of usage of FCVs, there is a growing need for strong hydrogen valves as the flow of hydrogen can only be manageable with efficient hydrogen valves.

Others: Hydrogen is used in industries, including food processing, electronics manufacturing, and aerospace, which require good control and safety measures. There is a growing need for versatile valve solutions that work under various conditions.

Hydrogen Valve Market Regional Analysis

What factors contribute to Asia-Pacific leadership in the hydrogen valve market?

The Asia-Pacific hydrogen valve market size is predicted to surpass around USD 225.55 million by 2033 from valued at USD 111.04 million in 2023. Huge investments are currently being made in the hydrogen infrastructure by countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, and the Asia Pacific region is therefore growing at a large size. Japan and South Korea are reformation energies, which will eventually increase the demand for hydrogen valves due to hydrogen fueling stations, fuel cell systems, and transportation systems.

Why is North America growing faster in hydrogen valve market?

The North America hydrogen valve market size was estimated at USD 93.44 million in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 189.80 million by 2033. North America and, specifically, the US and Canada, constitutes an important area for hydrogen valves, since investments in infrastructure are gaining momentum and initiatives to promote clean energy attract attention to hydrogen. Rapid infrastructure development is underway at a rapid pace, with the US Department of Energy's Hydrogen Energy Earthshot Initiative supporting hydrogen fuel cell vehicles coming into the market and consequently requiring high-quality valves on their manufacturing lines.

Europe hydrogen valve market trends

The Europe hydrogen valve market size was accounted for USD 75.52 million in 2023 and is projected to hit around USD 153.40 million by 2033. Europe is driving the hydrogen economy and the Green Deal and Hydrogen Strategy for a Climate-Neutral Europe by the EU are providing improvements in infrastructure. Germany, France, and the Netherlands are all developing an expanding hydrogen refueling network for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles increasing demand for hydrogen valves.

LAMEA hydrogen valve market growth

The LAMEA hydrogen valve market was valued at USD 40 million in 2023 and is expected to reach around USD 81.25 million by 2033. LAMEA region is gaining significance in the global hydrogen economy, especially in the Middle East and Africa, where investment is expected for large projects. These projects have translated into increased demand for hydrogen valves in production facilities, storage systems, as well as transportation networks.

Hydrogen Valve Market Top Companies

• Crane Company
• Emerson Electric Co.
• GSR Ventiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG
• Hartmann Valves GmbH
• Jaksa d.o.o.
• Kevin Steel
• KITZ Corporation
• Oliver Valves Ltd.
• PARKER HANNIFIN CORP
• SLB
• Swagelok Company
• Trillium Flow Technologies
• Valmet
• Velan Inc.
• Westport Fuel System Inc.

New players such as müller co-ax gmbh are focusing on the development of high-pressure valves ranging upto 1,000 bar and a very high Kv valve. These Valves provide a comprehensive solution for the production, transportation, and distribution of hydrogen throughout the entire value chain. While dominating players like Air Liquide and Linde plc stand out due to their extensive global hydrogen infrastructure and industry expertise. Air Liquide excels with its expansive hydrogen networks and advanced storage solutions, while Linde plc drives innovation through its strategic partnerships and R&D efforts. Both established and emerging players are crucial in advancing hydrogen storage technologies and integrating them into broader energy systems.

Hydrogen Valve Market Recent Developments

Strategic partnerships and acquisitions highlight the rapid advancements and collaborative efforts in the hydrogen valve market. Industry players are involved in various aspects of hydrogen energy storage, including production, storage technologies, and fuel cells, and play a significant role in advancing the market. Some notable examples of key developments in the hydrogen valve market include:

• In May 2024, Crane ChemPharma & Energy announced the acquisition of CryoWorks Inc., a company that specializes in cryogenic fluids. This acquisition is expected to strengthen Crane's position in the energy transition and cryogenic sectors.
• In September 2023, GSR Ventiltechnik GmbH & Co. KG has developed a new valve series for the hydrogen sector. The direct-pressure controlled valves are characterized by a long service life, which is achieved by the unique design of the stem seal. It enables 35% more switching cycles than comparable competitive products.
• In July 2022, Emerson launched the TESCOM™ Anderson Greenwood Instrumentation H2 Valve Series for hydrogen applications up to 15,000 pounds-per-square-inch (psi) (103.4 megapascal (MPa)). The new solution reliably isolates process pressure in high pressure gas applications such as hydrogen fueling stations and tube trailers, reducing fugitive emissions and improving safety.

These developments underscore significant strides in advancing hydrogen infrastructure and technology, reflecting growing collaborations and strategic investments aimed at expanding the global hydrogen economy.

Market Segmentation

By Product Type 

• Hydrogen Ball Valve
• Hydrogen Check Valves
• Hydrogen Needle Valves
• Hydrogen Pressure Relief Valves
• Hydrogen Pressure Solenoid Valves
• Pressure Regulating Valves
• Flow Control Valve
• Others

By Material

• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum 
• Others

By Pressure Range

• <50 BAR
• >50-350 BAR
• >350-700 BAR
• >700-1,000 BAR
• >1,000 BAR

By Size

• <1"
• >1"-6"
• >6"-12"
• >12"-20"
• >20"

By Application 

• Hydrogen Production 
• Hydrogen Fueling Station
• Hydrogen Storage 
• Hydrogen Transportation 
• Others

By End-user Industry

• Oil & Gas
• Energy & Power
• Pharmaceutical 
• Chemical 
• Metals & Mining
• Automotive 
• Others

By Region

• North America
• APAC
• Europe
• LAMEA