Hydrogen is industrially produced from steam reforming (SMR), which uses natural gas. [32] . The energy content of the produced hydrogen is around 74% of the energy content of the original fuel, [33] as some energy is lost as excess heat during production.

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) supports the research and development of a wide range of technologies to produce hydrogen economically and via net-zero-carbon pathways. View the hydrogen production pathways graphic to learn more about these technologies.

Hydrogen is an energy carrier that can be used to store, move, and deliver energy produced from other sources. Today, hydrogen fuel can be produced through several methods. The most common methods today are natural gas reforming (a thermal process), and electrolysis.

Jun 23, 2023 · Hydrogen can be produced from many different sources in different ways to use as a fuel. The two most common methods for producing hydrogen are steam-methane reforming and electrolysis (splitting water with electricity). Researchers are exploring other hydrogen production methods, or pathways.

Jan 27, 2025 · DOE is pursuing a broad portfolio of hydrogen production pathways, including splitting water, tapping into fossil resources with carbon capture; and extracting hydrogen from biomass and waste-stream resources.

The DOE Hydrogen Program activities for hydrogen production are focused on early-stage research advancing efficient and cost-effective production of hydrogen from diverse domestic sources, including renewable, fossil, and nuclear energy resources.

Based on announced projects, low-emissions hydrogen could reach 49 Mtpa by 2030 (up from 38 Mtpa in the Global Hydrogen Review 2023). Installed water electrolyser capacity reached 1.4 GW by the end of 2023 and could reach 5 GW by the end of 2024.

Hydrogen can be produced from diverse, domestic resources, including fossil fuels, biomass, and water through electrolysis using electricity. The environmental impact and energy efficiency of hydrogen depends on how it is produced and in what type of vehicle it's used.