Green hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer in the global transition to clean energy.
As industries and governments push for decarbonization, green hydrogen stands at the forefront of this movement, offering a sustainable solution for sectors ranging from transportation to heavy industry.
With advancements in production technologies and growing investments, the green hydrogen sector is rapidly gaining momentum, reshaping energy systems worldwide.
In this report, we highlight the top 20 companies leading the charge in the green hydrogen revolution in 2025. These innovators are driving the development of cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable hydrogen solutions.
Ready to discover how technologies like this can save the future? Dive into the insights ahead.
Let’s explore the leaders shaping a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
#1 SHELL INTERNATIONALE RESEARCH MAATSCHAPPIJ BV
Headquarters: The Hague, Netherlands
A subsidiary of Shell, focusing on global energy and petrochemical research and development.
Key Patents in Green Hydrogen Production
Method For The Production Of Hydrogen (WO2021250083A1)
The present invention relates to a method for the production of hydrogen. Hydrogen is used in many different chemical and industrial processes.
Hydrogen is also an important fuel for future transportation and other uses as it does not generate any carbon dioxide emissions when used.
The invention provides for a process for producing hydrogen comprising the steps of partially oxidizing a hydrocarbon to obtain a synthesis gas, providing the synthesis gas to a reactor in which carbon monoxide is converted to carbon dioxide, removing the carbon dioxide to obtain hydrogen.
The carbon dioxide is used in a chemical process and/or stored in a geological reservoir.
A Method Of Producing Carbon And Hydrogen (EP3560888A1)
Method for producing carbon and hydrogen using solar energy as a heating source.
The method involves converting methane into carbon and hydrogen in a reactor using solar energy when available.
When solar energy is low, the hydrogen produced is used to generate electricity in a separate reactor.
This allows using solar power when available and switching to stored hydrogen when solar is insufficient.
#2 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO
Headquarters: Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
Known as Saudi Aramco, it is the world’s largest oil producer and a leading integrated energy and chemicals company.
Key Patents in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Production From Hydrocarbons With Near Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions (WO2020210137A1)
A method for producing hydrogen from fossil fuels with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and storing carbon dioxide in mafic rocks like basalts.
The method involves co-producing hydrogen and CO2 from hydrocarbons, separating the hydrogen, and injecting the CO2 into a reservoir with reactive mafic rocks.
The CO2 reacts with the rocks to form solid carbonates, permanently storing the CO2.
Renewable Energy Integration With Natural-Gas Based Combined Hydrogen And Electricity Production (Chep) System And Method (WO2024044244A2)
A method and a system for integrating renewable power with a natural gas hydrogen production plant are provided.
An exemplary method include generating electricity and a reformed hydrogen stream in a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack, and providing the electricity to an electrolyzer to generate an electrolysis hydrogen stream.
A second stream of electricity is generated in a renewable energy facility, when available, and providing the second stream of electricity to the electrolyzer to increase the generation of the electrolysis hydrogen stream.
#3 HITACHI LTD
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Hitachi – a multinational conglomerate specializing in information technology, infrastructure systems, and various other sectors.
Key Patents in Green Hydrogen Production
Totally Integrated And Controlled Hydrogen Energy System And Method For Operating Same (WO2022230567A1)
Integrated control system for hydrogen energy systems that utilizes hydrogen from renewable energy sources and existing power plants.
The system involves producing hydrogen using excess power from renewable sources or power plants, then supplying it to hydrogen stations.
This allows hydrogen production and distribution to be coordinated with existing power infrastructure for efficient utilization of hydrogen in areas with depopulation.
It also enables hydrogen trading and integration with power trading markets. The system involves steps of producing hydrogen from excess power, then supplying it to hydrogen stations.
Fuel Production Device (WO2021192156A1)
Provided is a device for producing a fuel using a high-temperature exhaust gas released from an internal combustion engine.
The present invention relates to a fuel production device comprising an internal combustion engine, an electrolysis device connected to the internal combustion engine.
And a hydrogenation reactor connected to the electrolysis device, wherein the electrolysis device is a device whereby a high-temperature water vapor contained in the exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine.
Then is decomposed into hydrogen and oxygen, and the hydrogenation reactor is a device whereby the hydrogen from the decomposition is converted into a fuel.
#4 SUNGROW POWER SUPPLY CO LTD
Headquarters: Hefei, China
It is a global leader in renewable energy solutions, particularly in solar inverters and energy storage systems.
Key Patents in Green Hydrogen Production
New Energy Composite Hydrogen Production System And Control Method Therefor (WO2021098172A1)
New energy composite hydrogen production system that improves hydrogen production efficiency in weak energy zones using a power conversion system.
It is to dynamically select between a lye electrolysis system and a non-lye electrolysis system based on the availability of renewable energy.
This avoids energy waste and lowers costs compared to using batteries for backup power.
System For Producing Hydrogen From Renewable Energy And Control Method Thereof (EP4057476A3)
The present disclosure relates to a system for producing hydrogen from renewable energy and a control method thereof.
The system includes a renewable-energy-based power generation system, a primary hydrogen production system, a secondary hydrogen production system, and a controller.
An output end of the renewable-energy-based power generation system is connected to the primary hydrogen production system and the secondary hydrogen production system via an electrical conversion device.
A capacity of the primary hydrogen production system is greater than or equal to a capacity of the secondary hydrogen production system.
The controller is configured to monitor an output electrical performance parameter of the renewable-energy-based power generation system in real time, and control start and stop of the primary hydrogen production system and the secondary hydrogen production system.
#5 CUMMINS INC
Headquarters: Columbus, Indiana, USA
Cummins designs, manufactures, and distributes engines, filtration, and power generation products.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Fueling Systems And Methods (WO2024073281A1)
Systems and methods and methods are disclosed for receiving, storing, using, and tracking hydrogen fuel from renewable and non-renewable resources to fuel a prime mover.
#6 N-ERGIE AG
Headquarters: Nuremberg, Germany
N-ergie AG provides electricity, natural gas, district heating, and water services in the Nuremberg region.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Process for the production of hydrogen (DE102021102127A1)
The present invention relates to a method for generating hydrogen, in which hydrogen is released from a carrier (T2) laden with hydrogen.
And at least part of the energy required for the release of hydrogen is obtained by incinerating sewage sludge.
This released hydrogen can in turn be used to generate electricity, so that the present invention also relates to a method for generating electricity and optionally heat.
#7 GTI ENERGY
Headquarters: Des Plaines, Illinois, USA
It is a research and training organization addressing energy and environmental challenges.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Integrated Partial Oxidation And Electrolysis Process (WO2023158600A1)
A system and method for producing hydrogen and/or power at scale.
A partial combustion of a carbonaceous gaseous and/or liquid feed with an oxygen-containing feed generates heat for pyrolyzing non-combusted carbonaceous gaseous and/or liquid feed materials to produce an effluent including hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen.
Electrolysis powered by a renewable energy source converts water to hydrogen and oxygen for the oxygen-containing feed.
Hydrogen is collected from the electrolysis, and also from the effluent, and sent to a hydrogen-based power generator.
#8 GREENFIRE ENERGY INC
Headquarters: Emeryville, California, USA
Greenfire energy develops innovative geothermal energy technologies.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Production From Geothermal Resources Using Closed-Loop Systems (EP3919719A2)
A closed-loop geothermal system for producing hydrogen using a well in a geothermal resource.
The system captures heat and pressure from the geothermal reservoir to enhance hydrogen production methods.
The well has an apparatus for circulating fluids through a closed loop. It can use heat exchangers, pumps, thermosiphons, and electrolysis cells down bore.
The closed loop allows using geothermal energy for hydrogen production without expanding or flashing steam, losing heat, or losing pressure like surface systems.
The closed loop can also combine endothermic and exothermic reactions to optimize heat transfer.
#9 CATERPILLAR INC
Headquarters: Deerfield, Illinois, USA
They manufactures construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, and industrial turbines.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen and electric power co-production system and method (US11125188B2)
A hydrogen production system that integrates a fuel reformer with a engine-driven generator to dynamically scale hydrogen production and electrical power generation based on demand.
The system uses the engine exhaust as feedstock for the reformer to produce hydrogen. The reformer feed includes compressed air and tail gas from the hydrogen separator.
The reformer output is mixed with engine intake air and heated before entering the engine for combustion.
This allows simultaneous hydrogen production and power generation using the engine as a heat source.
#10 TOSHIBA CORP
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
A multinational conglomerate offering a wide range of products and services, including electronics, power systems, and IT solutions.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Fuel Cell Power Generation System And Control Method Thereof (JP2021026896A)
To provide a fuel cell power generation system and a control method thereof capable of generating higher effective energy by using fuel gas containing at least hydrogen and hydrocarbon.
A fuel cell power generation system according to an embodiment includes a fuel cell, and an energy generation unit.
The fuel cell uses hydrogen of fuel gas containing at least hydrogen and hydrocarbons to generate electricity.
The energy generation unit generates available energy by using unused gas whose hydrogen content in the fuel gas is reduced by the power generation of the fuel cell.
#11 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES
Headquarters: Osaka, Japan
A global leader in electric wire, cable, and optical fiber solutions, serving multiple industries.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrogen Manufacturing System (JP2022077667A)
Hydrogen production system that reduces hydrogen loss while still responding to requests to adjust received power from the grid.
The system uses a renewable energy generator to produce power for hydrogen production and grid input. The hydrogen production device can handle more power than the generator can produce.
This allows meeting increased grid demand without reducing generator output.
By balancing input power between hydrogen production and grid demand, hydrogen loss is minimized compared to suppressing generator output.
#12 COMMISSARIAT À LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
Headquarters: Paris, France
A French government-funded organization specializing in nuclear and renewable energy research and innovation.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Use Of Hydrogenated Organic Liquids, In Particular In Devices For Converting Energy (EP3725738A1)
The invention relates to the use in devices for the conversion of electrochemical energy or by combustion, in an industrial methanation process or a process for the hydrogenation of petroleum fractions, of at least one aliphatic compound having at least two groups.
Hydroxyls including at least one primary hydroxyl group (known as hydrogenated LOHC), as a renewable source of hydrogen.
#13 PROTOS CONSULTING INT PTY LTD
Headquarters: Sydney, Australia
Provides strategic consulting services focusing on business transformation and operational efficiency.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
A Process for Producing Hydrogen (AU2021102128A4)
A process for producing hydrogen at commercial scale using a combination of green hydrogen production from renewable sources and blue hydrogen production from fossil fuces with carbon capture.
The process involves blending hydrogen produced by the green electrolysis of purified water with hydrogen produced by the blue extraction process like coal gasification.
This allows scaling up hydrogen production to meet demand using a mix of green and blue hydrogen sources. The blended hydrogen can be further processed or liquefied for export.
The combination enables commercial volumes of hydrogen production using both green and blue sources.
#14 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
A renowned global manufacturer of automobiles, motorcycles, and power equipment.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Fuel Production System (JP2021147506A)
To provide a fuel production system capable of producing liquid fuel while sufficiently using renewable energy.
A fuel production system includes: a gasification apparatus having a gasification furnace for gasifying a biomass raw material and generating synthesis gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide.
A liquid fuel production apparatus for producing liquid fuel from the synthesis gas generated by the gasification apparatus; an electrolytic apparatus for generating hydrogen from water by electric power generated using renewable energy.
#15 FORSCHUNGSZENTRUM JÜLICH GMBH
Headquarters: Jülich, Germany
A leading German research center specializing in energy, climate, and technology innovation.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Process for producing a synthetic fuel and system for carrying out such a process (DE102020109448A1)
A method for producing sustainable synthetic fuel using biogas, water, and renewable hydrogen.
Electrolyzing water to get oxygen and hydrogen.
Producing biogas from a biogas plant.
Combusting the biogas with oxygen to generate electricity/heat.
Condensing the water and carbon dioxide from the combustion exhaust.
Synthesizing fuel using the condensed carbon dioxide and electrolyzed hydrogen. This process uses biogas plants and electrolyzers to make synthetic fuel from biogas, water, and renewable hydrogen.
The biogas combustion provides electricity/heat and condenses the water/CO2 exhaust for easier separation.
#16 PANDIT DEENDAYAL ENERGY UNIVERSITY
Headquarters: Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
A leading university specializing in energy education and research, offering programs in engineering, management, and liberal studies.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Geothermal Solar Integrated Hydrogen Gas Production System (IN202321037995A)
Integrated geothermal-solar hydrogen production system that uses geothermal heat as a base load source and solar energy to boost production.
The system combines geothermal well water, organic Rankine cycle, proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and solar collector to efficiently and sustainably produce hydrogen.
The geothermal water provides base heating for an organic Rankine cycle to generate electricity. Solar collectors augment the heat.
The electricity powers a proton exchange membrane fuel cell to electrolyze water into hydrogen and oxygen.
The integrated system leverages geothermal reliability and solar boost for efficient and green hydrogen production.
#17 IHI CORP
Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
A Japanese multinational corporation specializing in engineering, construction, and manufacturing of machinery and equipment.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Hydrocarbon combustion system (WO2020203087A1)
Hydrocarbon combustion system that reduces cost of generating heat by efficiently using renewable energy and carbon dioxide.
The system generates hydrogen and carbon monoxide from renewable energy in an electrolyzer. This hydrogen is used in a hydrocarbon generator to produce hydrocarbons.
The hydrocarbons are stored and burned in a closed combustor. The combustion gases (carbon dioxide and water) are separated and sent back to the electrolyzer.
This closed loop recycles the CO2 and water to generate more hydrogen using renewable energy instead of continuously drawing in new CO2 and water. This reduces the need for external CO2 sources and water treatment. The system also stores excess hydrocarbons for later use.
This allows generating heat from hydrocarbon combustion with more flexible timing compared to electric heating, since hydrogen production can match renewable energy availability
#18 ARKOLIA ENERGIES
Headquarters: Montpellier, France
Arkolia energies develops, finances, and operates renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and biogas.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Plant For Producing Methane (WO2021099695A1)
An integrated system for producing methane using renewable energy and capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The system consists of an electrolyzer to generate hydrogen from water, a carbon dioxide capture device, and a methanation reactor.
The hydrogen from electrolysis, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and water are fed into the methanation reactor to produce methane.
The system can also have components like dehydration units, heat exchangers, and compressors to optimize efficiency and minimize water usage.
The goal is to convert renewable electricity into storable methane fuel while capturing CO2 from the atmosphere for carbon neutrality.
#19 GWANGJU INST SCIENCE & TECH
Headquarters: Gwangju, South Korea
A research-oriented university focusing on science and technology, offering graduate and undergraduate programs.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
A system for upgrading by-product gases in steel mills by using hydrogen produced via electrolysis and the method thereof (KR20210147606A)
Upgrading the by-product gases from steelmaking using electrolyzed hydrogen to produce a renewable fuel and recover energy.
The process involves supplying oxygen from water electrolysis to the steelmaking process, and supplying hydrogen from electrolysis to a unit that alcoholizes or methanates the by-product gas to produce a renewable fuel.
The renewable fuel and heat generated during the process are then recovered and reused inside or outside the steel mill.
#20 LINDE GMBH
Headquarters: Pullach, Germany
Linde GmbH is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company, providing innovative solutions across various industries.
Key Patent in Green Hydrogen Production
Method And Plant For Producing Hydrogen (WO2021151453A1)
Integrated hydrogen production method using steam electrolysis and non-electrolytic processes like reforming to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The method involves converting a carbon-containing feedstock into hydrogen and other products via a non-electrolytic process like reforming.
Excess steam produced during reforming is then used temporarily to provide feed steam for steam electrolysis, which converts it into hydrogen and oxygen.
This allows utilizing the steam from one process to feed the other, maximizing steam utilization and reducing overall steam consumption.
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Looking Ahead
The green hydrogen revolution is gaining unstoppable momentum. Industry pioneers and fresh innovators are reshaping the energy landscape, unlocking cleaner, more sustainable fuel solutions.
As the urgency to decarbonize intensifies, breakthroughs in hydrogen production, storage, and transportation are setting the stage for transformative change.
From scalable electrolyzers to cutting-edge hydrogen hubs, the sector is primed for exponential growth.
Yet, navigating this evolving space with its novel technologies and ambitious targets can be daunting.
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