Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market

Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Outlook

A CAGR of 9.78% is expected of the global hydrogen combustion engine market, due to the growing demand during the forecast period. It is anticipated to reach US$ 46.31 Billion by 2033, up from US$ 18.22 Billion in 2023. The growth in the market is ascribed to the following:

• The adoption of the hydrogen combustion engine is predicted to surge as vehicle demand rises. This is attributable to developing economies' growing populations and increased disposable income.
• The global market for hydrogen combustion engines is gaining significant traction as a result of infrastructure advances in the field of hydrogen generation.
• The growing use of Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC) for the conversion of Carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrocarbons into water and Carbon dioxide (CO2) drives market expansion, as it degrades harmful waste in the engine's exhaust stream, reducing Particulate Matter (PM).
• Governments are rapidly enforcing severe emission standards, prompting the development of more fuel-efficient and low-emission engines. This contributes to the expansion of the internal combustion engine market share.

Global Trends & Scopes Revolutionizing the Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market

Key players have recognized that an essential to decarbonizing the automotive sector is combustion engines that operate on fossil-free fuels such as biogas, renewable hydrogen, and other choices, such as hydrogen combustion engines. While it is expected that the vast majority of commercial vehicles may be electric in the future - a hybrid of hydrogen fuel cell and battery electric - there are likely to certainly be uses of hydrogen combustion engines that may be required for a long time. This is expected to accelerate the global hydrogen combustion engine market growth.

In recent years, top market players have announced that batteries are a perfect answer for shorter/medium-range applications, such as use inside the city for buses, garbage collection, local distribution, and regional haulage, with regular returns to a permanent depot - allowing for convenient recharging.

As battery technology and charging, facilities improve, it is projected to be employed for longer and heavier road shipments. They accept the possibility of reducing emissions in the energy- and emissions-intensive refining stage of the aluminum supply chain by switching from fossil fuels to clean hydrogen in the alumina refining process. Exploring these new clean energy technologies and methodologies is therefore a critical step in producing green aluminum, which is predicted to boost the expansion of the hydrogen combustion engine market share.

Key players in several areas have extensive customer knowledge and application expertise. The global fuel landscape is projected to alter over time, driven by the requirements of various applications, markets, and geographies. As the world progresses toward fossil-free propulsion technologies such as Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV), fuel cells (FCEV), and biofuels, hydrogen combustion engines are expected to be an option.

Key corporations are continuing to follow through on their pledge to drive change toward a net-zero future. Companies have started releasing new products that are anticipated to offer crucial insights into the possibilities offered by hydrogen combustion engines and fuel cells as they continue to research their upcoming product development programs. This comes after the completion of a multi-stakeholder research project aimed at breaking new ground in hydrogen technology. These factors are estimated to surge product demand and expand the global hydrogen combustion engine market size and generate market opportunities.

Internal combustion engines have consistently gained popularity over time. However, rising crude oil prices, severe emission standards, fuel supply security, and noise pollution have prompted OEMs to turn their attention toward natural gas and hydrogen-powered engines. For instance, one key player declared that it is developing a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine for use in sports vehicles, with the goal of creating a prosperous and sustainable mobility society.

Around 25% of the world's hydrogen combustion engines run on fossil fuel oil, accounting for 10% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the case of automobiles, hydrogen combustion engines power 90% of all vehicles worldwide. As a result, increased reliance on oil is projected to spur development in the hydrogen combustion engine market trends.

A Contrast with the Historical Market Scenario

The statistics accumulated by Future Market Insights, reveal the global forum of hydrogen combustion engines which has witnessed an unprecedented surge over the past few years. The key providers in the market are in conjunction with the increasing demand for hydrogen combustion engines. There has been a gradual rise in CAGR registered during the period of 2018 to 2022 and is likely to expand at a massive 9.78% in the forecast period.

Hydrogen is utilized as a substitute fuel in cars, portable power systems, and power generation. The worldwide hydrogen combustion engine market was expected to increase at a healthy rate over the recent decade due to a growing need for sustainable energy. The market is gaining significant traction throughout the world as a result of infrastructure advances in the sector of hydrogen generation. Owing to the transition to high-performance, zero-emission automobiles have grown more popular, there has been an increased demand for low-emission vehicles.

Technological developments enable the hydrogen combustion engine to evolve, allowing it to produce greater power while consuming less fuel. Meanwhile, engines are projected to continue to play an important part in the growth of the automobile industry. They may also improve in areas like as thermal efficiency, pollution, and electrification. Low-temperature combustion (LTC) is a cutting-edge combustion notion for hydrogen combustion engines that has lately received a lot of interest. Hence, the adoption of a hydrogen combustion engine is anticipated to rise in the forecast period.

Nikhil Kaitwade

Principal Consultant

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Category-wise Insights

Proton Exchange Membrane - By Technology Type

By technology type, the market is segmented into proton membrane exchange and phosphoric acid fuel cells, and other technologies based on those. It has been studied by the analysts at Future Market Insights that the proton membrane exchange segment is estimated to hold a major market share, through the forecast period.

The vital elements determining the momentum of this segment are:

• It transfers protons over the membrane from the anode to the cathode and is critical to the electrochemical process's effectiveness.
• A hydrogen engine reduces oxygen at the cathode and delivers hydrogen, which is subsequently oxidized at the anode. This expectation is supported by the segment's rapid acceptance during the forecast period.

Commercial Vehicles - By Application Type

By application type, the market is segmented into passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, ships, and others. It has been studied by the analysts at Future Market Insights that the commercial vehicles application segment is estimated to hold a major market share, through the forecast period.

The pivotal aspects determining the momentum of this segment are:

• Commercial vehicle manufacturers have carved out a market niche by appealing to the country's middle class with low prices, high-quality amenities, small sizes, and simple financing options.
• Commercial vehicles are four-wheeled conveyances that deliver commodities. Every economy requires commercial vehicles since they are required for the mobility of both people and goods.

Launching Measures to build ICE Infrastructure & Other Aspects

One of the primary aspects driving the market is growing public awareness regarding the benefits of the adoption of hydrogen combustion engines. Aside from that, governments in several countries are launching measures to build ICE infrastructure. They are also supporting the usage of hydrogen fuel combustion vehicles (FCVs) to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, which is helping to drive market growth.

Diesel and gasoline costs have risen dramatically in recent months, both globally and locally, encouraging a move toward hydrogen vehicles. The global desire for high-performance, low-emission automobiles will drive the automobile market in the future. Furthermore, the increasing frequency of reimbursement rules in the automation business is driving expansion in the hydrogen vehicle industry.

Owing to the rising global prices of gasoline and diesel, there has been an increase in demand for fuel-efficient automobiles. This, together with the depletion of fossil fuel supplies, is likely to accelerate the demand for hydrogen combustion engines. Furthermore, leading market players are heavily spending on research and development (R&D) efforts to create improved fuel cell trucks and hydrogen-powered engine buses to carry people, which is positively affecting the market.

High Manufacturing Costs & Other Obstructions along with Future Opportunities

The electrolysis method, which involves running a strong electric current through water to remove oxygen and hydrogen atoms, is commonly used to extract hydrogen (in gaseous form) from water. Due to the significant energy requirements, the electrolysis method is very expensive. Additionally, hydrogen presents design challenges for mass and space needs, as well as for managing and storing fuel onboard aircraft.

On the contrary, the deployment of hydrogen fuel cell technology, which provides powertrains that do not release hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOX) and particulate matter, has witnessed a growth in recent years. This, together with the increasing automotive industry, is anticipated to propel the hydrogen combustion engine market size.  Furthermore, the growing development of hydrogen fuel cell infrastructure provides industry investors with significant growth potential in the forecast period.

Region-Wise Insights

Off-highway spaces in the USA bracing for further decarbonization!

North America currently holds the largest share of the hydrogen combustion engine market with a significant share. This is attributed to increased Research and Development spending to develop cutting-edge solutions and fulfill end-user expectations. Furthermore, the USA government's programs for renewable energy are encouraging market development throughout the region.

OEMs in the USA off-highway spaces are bracing for further decarbonization demand from customers. Major mining corporations have set aggressive decarbonization objectives in the last two years, aiming for Scope 1 and 2 CO2 neutrality. Furthermore, 15 USA states, led by California, have additional rules in place requiring 30 percent of trucks sold to be zero-emission by 2030. These factors are expected to augment the hydrogen combustion engine market growth.

Consumers are increasingly interested in hydrogen combustion engines owing to their adaptability and use as a fuel source in a variety of industries. Moreover, they are also preferred as they can also be compressed into gas or liquefied to make transportation easier and less expensive. Key players are exploring replacing this with blue or green hydrogen, which is projected to drastically reduce carbon emissions.

Key players in the USA acknowledge hydrogen as a clean energy option for sections of the economy that are difficult to decarbonize, such as industrial processes, industrial and household heat, and difficult-to-electrify transportation (such as heavy-duty vehicles or ships). Furthermore, it may harness current technology to give a zero-emissions option for certain use cases while promoting the expansion of hydrogen infrastructure.

In the United Kingdom, key manufacturers strive to shorten the time it takes to achieve zero carbon emission

The hydrogen combustion engine market in the United Kingdom has significant growth potential. This is owing to stringent government laws relating to CO2 emissions, as well as an increasing emphasis on the usage of electric cars within the area. Additionally, the European Union has urged manufacturers to decrease CO2 emissions from new on-highway cars by around 30% beginning in 2030.

In the United Kingdom, there are just 15 functioning hydrogen refueling stations. Key players are introducing hydrogen cars that differ slightly from low-emission trucks in that they use hydrogen combustion engines rather than fuel cells and an electric motor. Furthermore, their approach is to keep raw emissions low by using extremely lean and hence cooler combustion, allowing them to do away with an exhaust after-treatment system.

Top engineers in the country have ruled that the hydrocarbons in 'conventional' hydrogen automobiles still emit pollutants into the atmosphere. As a result, they are producing MLE trucks that do not release these components through their more standard engine type.

Key manufacturers strive to shorten the time it takes to achieve zero carbon emissions while simultaneously lowering the cost of change for consumers. Furthermore, companies are trying to collaborate with major fleet owners to convert their existing fleets, particularly those operating in metropolitan areas. In addition, the initial refit plans might involve garbage collection vehicles and local deliveries, where a truck could easily return to its station to refill.

German market players aim to accomplish climate protection objectives

Germany has witnessed significant growth in its hydrogen combustion engine market share. The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy has contributed funds to the development of innovative vehicle and system technologies. Furthermore, prominent corporations are stepping up their efforts to promote climate-neutral powertrain technology.

To accomplish climate protection objectives, the potential of all existing powertrain technologies is being harnessed in the country. Key companies have consequently kept an open stance to all technologies: in addition to e-mobility, including fuel cells. Moreover, they also believe the climate-neutral combustion engine, which is fueled by non-fossil fuels such as hydrogen, to be one of the essential future technologies for a sustainable powertrain mix.

Key players in the country are actively developing a hydrogen internal combustion engine, promoting the pan-European objective of becoming the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050, based on their extensive expertise and many years of research experience in this sector. Furthermore, the goal of their development project is to improve the efficiency potential of multi-port and direct-injected hydrogen engine concepts for the direct propulsion of a commercial vehicle with an existing standard powertrain.

The lack of electric vehicles in India surges the adoption of hydrogen combustion engines

India is a growing hydrogen combustion engine market with immense growth opportunities. The presence of multiple automakers, as well as rising demand for passenger cars in several of the region's main nations, including India and China, are likely to expand the global market size. Furthermore, the absence of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and the high cost of electric motors support market growth.

To reduce tailpipe emissions, key players are investigating the use of hydrogen in the hydrogen internal combustion engine. Furthermore, the Delhi government initiated a trial project with 50 HCNG buses in the city in 2020 to explore its benefits. This followed the Supreme Court's admonition to look into alternative fuels that might lower emissions and assist combat air pollution. While the study has yet to produce definitively good results, the potential of HCNG is expected to offer market possibilities throughout the projection period.

Achieving the zero-emissions objective is a difficult aim for the automobile industry, one that it is working hard to fulfill with efforts from all angles. Investing time and effort in developing hydrogen technology, whether in the form of transitional HCNG, prospective FCEVs, or revolutionary hydrogen combustion engines, can offer encouraging rewards. In addition, government backing, through programs like as the National Hydrogen Energy Mission Programme, along with the collective talents of business leaders, is likely to be critical in ushering in a clean and green future of mobility.

New Entrants are Aiding Top Market Players with Innovative Solutions: Start-up Economy

Start-up companies are offering services, components, and other assistance to market players that is likely to help augment the global hydrogen combustion engine market size:

• Airstier - It provides an internal combustion engine-driven multi-copter drone. The drone is equipped with two internal combustion engines and a backup electrical drive system. The IC engines increase the drone's endurance and its in-air stability. The drone's route can be mapped pre-flight using a companion tablet application.
• Progressive Fuel Systems - It is a technology solutions provider for hydrogen fuel generation. They claim that their systems can generate hydrogen when needed and supply it to the diesel combustion engine. It also provides software for monitoring the system for any abnormalities.
• HLX Engines - It is an engine technology company that claims to develop a hybrid internal combustion (IC) engine called HLX Arc I that can run on a variety of fuels, including gasoline diesel, and ethanol. It claims that its target market includes manufacturers of autonomous cars and home and garden appliances, and of long-endurance drones.
• Hydrogen Energy Systems - It provides a hydrogen energy system. It developed a co-combustion solution that leverages an existing asset’s energy source by injecting it with hydrogen. Its solution reduced the engine fuel cost and emissions.
• Cereus Technology - It offers a fuel injection technology referred to as HICI for internal combustion engines that can be implemented by installing novel fuel injectors which don’t require a modification of the basic design of existing engines. HICI improves the combustion process inside the combustion chambers of engines, thereby reducing fuel consumption and eliminating the formation of particulate matter (PM) and NOx.

Key Companies Enhancing the Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Space & Recent Developments

The hydrogen combustion engine market share reflects a very competitive and concentrated landscape. To promote the development of their businesses, suppliers in this sector are increasingly focused on supplying their clients with new and improved items at significantly reduced prices. The main strategy they use to increase their place in the global market is technological upgrades in present goods.

TOP MARKET PLAYERS OF THE HYDROGEN COMBUSTION ENGINE MARKET

• Volvo AB
• Toyota Motor Corporation
• Volkswagen AG
• Rolls- Royce Holding plc
• Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd.
• Renault SA
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
• MAN SE
• General Motor Company
• Ford Motors
• Fiat Chrysler
• Robert Bosch GmbH
• AGCO Corporation
• Caterpillar Incorporated
• Shanghai Diesel Engine Company Limited
• Rio Tinto
• Komatsu

Newest developments in the hydrogen combustion engine market

• In July 2021, Hyzon Motors Inc. announced a new commercial vehicle that may reduce the weight and manufacturing costs of a commercial vehicle fuelled by Hyzon's hydrogen fuel. The US-based Hyzon Motors Inc. manufactures commercial cars using hydrogen fuel cells that emit no emissions. Modern technology mixes lightweight composite materials with a metal system structure.
• In February 2021, Hydron Motors and Decarbonization Plus announced a corporate merger. The firm will be able to completely fund and support Hyzon's long-established goal for expansion in the hydrogen fuel cell-powered, emission-free commercial transportation sector thanks to this purchase.
• In April 2021, Toyota announced the development of a combustion engine that runs on hydrogen and is meant for sports cars use.
• In April 2021, Alstom strengthened its presence in hydrogen with its purchase of Helion Hydrogen Power. Alstom has expanded its portfolio of innovative, competitive solutions and pursued the implementation of its Alstom in Motion strategic plan by acquiring this company.
• In 2019, VW was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of IC engines and shipped over 10 million units in 2018. It is more commonly known for relatively small engines for optimal usage. VW adopted the less powerful 1.4-liter engine for the 2019 variant VW Golf while taking into consideration of its upgraded IC engine that will ensure a stable power output.

Key Segments Profiled in the Hydrogen Combustion Engine Market Survey

By Technology:

• Proton Membrane Exchange
• Phosphoric Acid Fuel Cell
• Others

By Application:

• Passenger Vehicle
• Commercial Vehicle
• Ships
• Others

By Region:

• North America
• Latin America
• Asia Pacific
• Middle East and Africa(MEA)
• Europe