Mapping Regional Green Hydrogen Market Systems: Evidence from the Green Hydra Project

Green hydrogen is increasingly positioned as an important element of Europe's energy transition, particularly for decarbonising sectors that are difficult to electrify directly and for integrating growing shares of renewable electricity. Yet regional hydrogen ecosystems often remain fragmented and immature. This paper uses evidence from Green Hydra regional market system mapping exercises to analyse green hydrogen market development across partner regions, with particular attention to recurring barriers, enabling conditions, and patterns of market-system fragmentation. Based on stakeholder input generated through the Green Hydra market system mapping exercise and subsequent comparative analysis, the paper distinguishes barriers in the hydrogen value chain, the enabling business environment, and supporting services. The findings show that renewable potential and early pilot activity are widespread, but integrated value chains, demand formation, infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and supporting services remain underdeveloped. The paper argues that regional green hydrogen development should be understood as a market-system formation challenge, in which technology, infrastructure, demand, regulation, finance, and supporting services must develop together.