How do countries export hydrogen for clean energy?

As the world focuses its attention to fight climate change, countries are turning to hydrogen as a clean energy solution. Hydrogen can power vehicles, heat homes, and fuel industries—all without the carbon emissions that come from fossil fuels. But while producing hydrogen is one challenge, exporting it across borders is another. So how are countries managing to export hydrogen for clean energy? Let’s break it down.

Why is hydrogen key for a clean energy future?

Hydrogen is gaining attention because it can help decarbonise sectors that are hard to electrify. These include heavy industries like steel and cement, long-haul transport, and even aviation. When made using renewable electricity (like wind or solar), it's called green hydrogen—and it's completely emission-free.

Unlike solar or wind power, hydrogen can be stored and transported. This makes it a flexible energy carrier, ideal for international trade. That’s why countries with lots of sunshine, wind, or water are seeing hydrogen as a new export opportunity—like oil and gas once were.

Which countries are leading in hydrogen production and export?

A number of countries have stepped up as early leaders in the hydrogen economy. Let’s take a look at a few:

• Australia has vast solar and wind resources and is investing heavily in green hydrogen. It plans to export hydrogen to Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea.

• Saudi Arabia is using its oil wealth to pivot toward clean energy. It’s building one of the world’s largest green hydrogen plants in NEOM, a futuristic city in the desert.

• Chile is using its strong solar potential in the Atacama Desert to produce hydrogen for export to Europe and Asia.

• Germany is investing in partnerships around the world to secure clean hydrogen imports, since its own renewable capacity may not meet demand.

• Japan has made hydrogen a cornerstone of its energy policy and is already importing hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels like ammonia.

These countries are all building up their hydrogen industries with government support, private investment, and international cooperation.

How is hydrogen transported across borders?

Unlike oil or natural gas, hydrogen is tricky to move. It’s a very light gas and needs special handling. Countries are experimenting with different ways to transport it safely and efficiently.

1. Liquefied hydrogen

Hydrogen can be cooled to very low temperatures (around -253°C) to become a liquid. This reduces its volume and makes it easier to ship in special tanks. Japan recently received its first shipment of liquefied hydrogen from Australia using a custom-built ship.

2. Ammonia

Hydrogen can be combined with nitrogen to make ammonia, which is easier to store and transport. Once it reaches its destination, the ammonia can be “cracked” back into hydrogen. This method is gaining popularity and could play a major role in global hydrogen trade.

3. Liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs)

This method involves bonding hydrogen with a liquid chemical carrier, transporting it, and then separating the hydrogen at the destination. It’s a newer technology but promising in terms of safety and efficiency.

Each method has pros and cons, and the right choice often depends on the distance, cost, and purpose of the hydrogen being transported.

Building global hydrogen supply chains

To export hydrogen at scale, countries need much more than production plants. They need full supply chains—pipelines, ports, shipping routes, and storage facilities. This is where global partnerships come in.

For example:

• Australia and Japan are working together on supply routes and shipping technology.

• Germany has deals with Namibia and Morocco to invest in hydrogen projects in those countries and import clean fuel in return.

• The European Union is funding hydrogen corridors across borders to ensure smooth transport between member states.

These partnerships often include long-term purchase agreements, which help ensure that both the producer and buyer benefit economically. It’s similar to how oil and gas deals work, but with cleaner goals in mind.

Challenges and future outlook for hydrogen exports

While the hydrogen export industry is growing fast, it’s not without challenges.

• Cost: Green hydrogen is still expensive to produce compared to fossil fuels. Prices are coming down, but it needs continued investment and government support to compete at scale.

• Infrastructure: Building the ports, pipelines, and ships for hydrogen is capital-intensive and takes time. There’s also a need for international standards and safety regulations.

• Local vs export use: Some critics argue that hydrogen should be used domestically first—especially in developing countries—before being exported to wealthier nations.

Still, the outlook is optimistic. As more countries commit to net-zero goals, demand for clean hydrogen will rise. Experts expect the global hydrogen market to grow dramatically by 2030, with international trade playing a big part.

Technology is also advancing quickly. New electrolysers (the machines that split water into hydrogen and oxygen) are becoming more efficient. More hydrogen-ready ships and storage systems are being developed. And new trading platforms for hydrogen are being created, similar to those for oil and gas.

Exporting hydrogen is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s already happening. Countries with abundant renewable energy are turning their natural resources into clean fuel, ready for shipment across the globe. While there are still hurdles to overcome, the momentum is building.

Hydrogen won’t replace all fossil fuels overnight, but it’s becoming a powerful tool in the global clean energy transition. The countries that invest early in hydrogen exports are likely to shape the future of the energy market—and help the planet along the way.