The patent data are mapped by country using fractional counting and show the number of inventions for the fuel cell, clean hydrogen production and hydrogen storage sectors, by technology type and year of application.
Patents are strong indicators of innovation activity which can give very detailed insights into the state and direction of the science. This study, which combines the expertise of the International Energy Agency and the European Patent Ofice, is the most comprehensive, global and up-to-date investigation of hydrogen-related patenting so far.
What is a hydrogen patent?
Their patent portfolios are mainly focused on production by electrolysis and applications based on fuel cells but also extend to established technologies for the storage and distribution of liquid or gaseous hydrogen, an area of focus for these countries which plan to import stored hydrogen in the near future.
Will technology make hydrogen a cost-competitive energy carrier?
Technology will be at the heart of many of these changes, and nowhere more so than in the scale-up of hydrogen as a clean energy carrier. While strong policy will be needed to make low-emission hydrogen cost-competitive, it will not be possible without technology improvements across a value chain that touches nearly every part of the energy system.
The IPFs of hydrogen start-ups mainly target technologies primarily motivated by climate, such as electrolysis and fuel cells. However, about a third of them also show patenting activities in established technologies, usually in combination with IPFs in climate-motivated technologies.
The patent data clearly shows that established players are heavyweights in hydrogen patenting and are capable of expanding into new market segments. Automotive companies and chemical companies that are active in fuel cells and electrolysis are a clear example.
Are patents filed for energy storage technologies reflected in the data?
Patents filed for energy storage technologies - Our World in Data Figures in recent years are subject to a time lag; submitted patents may not yet be reflected in the data. Figures in recent years are subject to a time lag; submitted patents may not yet be reflected in the data. Our Worldin Data Articles by topic Latest About Donate All charts