Capital requirements generally include land acquisition, construction, equipment procurement, installation, pre-operative expenses, and initial working capital. The total amount varies with capacity, technology, and location.
To start a green hydrogen manufacturing business, one needs to conduct a market feasibility study, secure required licenses, arrange funding, select suitable land, procure equipment, recruit skilled labor, and establish a supply chain and distribution network.
The key raw materials required for green hydrogen production are purified water and renewable electricity for electrolysis. Additionally, electrolyzers use materials like platinum, iridium, nickel, and specialized membranes such as ceramic oxides.
The plant typically requires electrolyzers for hydrogen production, water purification systems, and a renewable energy source such as solar or wind. Additional equipment includes hydrogen compressors, storage tanks, gas purification units, cooling systems, and safety and control infrastructure.
The main steps generally include:
Water purification
Renewable energy generation
Electrolysis
Hydrogen purification
Compression and storage
Usually, the timeline can range from 18 to 36 months to start a green hydrogen manufacturing plant. This includes site selection, permitting, infrastructure setup, and commissioning of equipment.
Challenges may include high capital requirements, securing regulatory approvals, ensuring raw material supply, competition, skilled manpower availability, and managing operational risks.
Typical requirements include business registration, environmental clearances, factory licenses, fire safety certifications, and industry-specific permits. Local/state/national regulations may apply depending on the location.
The top green hydrogen manufacturers are:
Siemens Energy AG
Air Liquide
Wind to Gas Energy GmbH & Co. KGV
Linde PLC
Nel ASA
H&R Olwerke Schindler GmbH
Profitability depends on several factors including market demand, production efficiency, pricing strategy, raw material cost management, and operational scale. Profit margins usually improve with capacity expansion and increased capacity utilization rates.
Cost components typically include:
Land and Infrastructure
Machinery and Equipment
Building and Civil Construction
Utilities and Installation
Working Capital
Break even timelines in a green hydrogen manufacturing business typically range from 5 to 10 years, depending on factors like plant size, capital investment, energy costs, government incentives, and market demand. Technological advances and supportive policies can shorten this period.
Governments may offer incentives such as capital subsidies, tax exemptions, reduced utility tariffs, export benefits, or interest subsidies to promote manufacturing under various national or regional industrial policies.
Financing can be arranged through term loans, government-backed schemes, private equity, venture capital, equipment leasing, or strategic partnerships. Financial viability assessments help identify optimal funding routes.