The hydrogen market in petroleum refining is emerging as a key catalyst for decarbonization, according to the IEA’s Global Hydrogen Review 2025. Although low-emission hydrogen currently accounts for under 1% of global production, its application in refining is expanding, especially for hydrotreating, hydrocracking, and desulfurization processes.

Refineries are facing mounting pressure to reduce carbon footprints while maintaining throughput. Incorporating green or low-carbon hydrogen into existing units helps reduce CO₂ emissions and improves the flexibility of feedstock processing. In this context, hydrogen blending and hydrogen sourcing improvements are no longer optional—they’re becoming necessary.

Projections show that hydrogen demand in refining could grow significantly by 2030, supported by regulatory incentives and stricter emissions standards. As such, refineries capable of integrating hydrogen infrastructure (electrolyzers, storage, blending systems) stand to gain a competitive edge.