Hydrogen market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The Czech hydrogen market's physical volume, measured in thousand cubic meters, declined from 2018 to 2020 despite growing interest in hydrogen as a fossil fuel substitute and ongoing support from a national strategy emphasizing technological neutrality and hydrogen's potential in transport. This period of strategic development preceded a rebound in market volume in 2021, which was aided by the mass demand for hydrogen technologies within the European Union, creating new opportunities for the domestic market.

The market dynamic shifted sharply following the 2022 energy crisis triggered by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which caused a spike in energy prices. This increased the attractiveness of hydrogen as an alternative energy source, supporting market value in thousand US dollars, but simultaneously contributed to a contraction in physical volume due to high costs and broader energy sector pressures. In response, the CEZ Group announced plans for new gas-fired capacities ready for hydrogen combustion and secured LNG terminal capacity in Germany with a future pathway for green hydrogen, while government-imposed price caps on gas and electricity affected consumer behavior.

Subsequent investment delays into Czech hydrogen projects during 2023, mirroring broader European trends, continued to constrain the market's physical volume growth. During this period, the CEZ Group expanded its energy services activities in Central Europe, encompassing hydrogen technologies. By 2024, European policies and subsidy programs were anticipated to support hydrogen development in industry and transport, yet the market's physical volume continued its downward trend.

Production hydrogen in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Hydrogen production in Czechia increased after two years of decline. In 2021, output was valued at 8 551 K $ US, representing a significant increase of 47.5% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production grew by 8.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 2.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 5 799 K $ US, with the largest decline of 19.7% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Czechia's hydrogen production volume increased following two years of losses. In 2021, 19 891 K m³ of hydrogen were produced, marking a gain of 15.9% relative to the prior year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 9.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 17 161 K m³, which also saw the largest decline of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

Exports hydrogen from Czechia

Exports in kind, K m³

Hydrogen exports from Czechia declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 1 835 K m³, remaining unchanged compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports decreased by 18.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Poland was the primary market for hydrogen exports from Czechia in volume terms, accounting for 81.4% of total exports. Other destinations made up a smaller portion of the export flow.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Hydrogen exports from Czechia increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 947 K $ US, showing a robust rise of 14.1% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 804 K $ US, which also experienced the largest decline of 9.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland played the leading role in hydrogen exports from Czechia in value terms, with a share of 74.2% of total flows. Other markets collectively accounted for the remainder.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Czechia in value, 2018-2021

Imports hydrogen to Czechia

Imports in kind, K m³

In 2021, Czechia's hydrogen import volume amounted to 3 675 K m³, representing a decline of 12.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 23.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.7%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 282 K m³, which saw the largest decline of 32.0%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, with a rise of 28.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K m³

From 2018 to 2021, Poland and Slovakia were the dominant sources for hydrogen imports into Czechia in volume terms, jointly accounting for 86.4% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among other markets.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend over the period. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 402 K $ US, with the largest decline of 0.9% also occurring that year. The largest increase was in 2020, with a rise of 70.4%. In 2021, hydrogen imports into Czechia reached 2 436 K $ US, marking a slight improvement of 2.0% compared to 2020. Overall, there was a 1.7-fold variation between the maximum in 2021 and the minimum in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland and Slovakia concentrated 87.3% of total hydrogen imports into Czechia in value terms. The remaining share was distributed among other destinations, each with smaller individual contributions.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Czechia in value, 2018-2021