Patents can act as an indicator of innovation in a given region
EU and Japan dominate hydrogen patents
China is showing increasing interest in the development of electrocatalysts that do not contain precious metals, says a report by Irena and the European Patent Office
Europe and Japan account for more than 50pc of international patents for hydrogen-related technologies, according to a study by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) and the European Patent Office. Patents were grouped into five sections—cell operations, electrocatalyst materials, separators and electrolyser stacks. Europe leads in electrolysers stacks, with 41pc of total patents in this area; electrocatalyst materials, with 34pc; and cell operations, with 32pc—reflecting the region’s position as the centre of expertise in expertise in electrolyser manufacturing. The region is home to some of the biggest producers in the world—including Nel, ITM Power, Johnson Matthey, Sunfire, M
Also in this section
6 January 2026
Shifts in government policy and rising power demand will shape the clean hydrogen sector as it attempts to gain momentum following a sluggish performance in 2025
23 December 2025
Government backing and inflow of private capital point to breakthrough year for rising star of the country’s clean energy sector
19 December 2025
The hydrogen industry faces an important choice: coordinated co-evolution or patched-together piecemeal development. The way forward is integrated co-evolution, and freight corridors are a good example
10 December 2025
Project developer Meld Energy ready to accelerate 100MW project in Humber region after securing investment from energy transition arm of private equity firm Schroders Capital
