Hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals market in Czechia

Earlier Report Observations

The Czech market for hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals started from a base of 291.8 million USD in 2018, supported by the Air Protection Act which allowed fuel suppliers to use hydrogen to meet emission obligations, and the dominant role of the state-influenced company Unipetrol in consumption. In 2019, the first Czech Hydrogen Strategy was approved, defining green and low-carbon hydrogen and pledging state investment into research, while production of grey hydrogen in the petrochemical sector developed. Despite these strategic moves, the total market volume declined over 2019 and 2020.

Market growth resumed in 2021 after hydrogen was legally recognized as a 'fuel' in the amended Air Protection Act, mandating registration for distributors and filling stations. This regulatory clarity, coupled with the official launch of the national Hydrogen Strategy, provided a foundation for expansion. The growth accelerated in 2022 with the construction of the first major green hydrogen electrolyzer in Hranice and increased support for low-carbon hydrogen under the EU's REPowerEU plan. A key infrastructure milestone was reached in 2023 with the start of converting the 400 km Opal gas pipeline for hydrogen transport, creating the country's first dedicated hydrogen pipeline, while public subsidies for electrolyzer construction were expanded to several major projects.

In 2024, the market value contracted. This coincided with the introduction of a new EU methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions for low-carbon hydrogen, impacting producers, and the transposition of the EU's RED III directive which updated sustainability requirements for hydrogen. Further regulatory preparation for mandatory carbon footprint labeling for hydrogen products and a decree on wastewater discharge permissions added to the evolving compliance landscape for industry.

Production hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals in Czechia

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Following two consecutive years of decline, Czechia's production of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals rebounded. In 2021, the output was valued at 185.2 million US dollars, marking a substantial 15.8% increase compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 12.6%, which translates to an average annual decline of 4.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 159.9 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year drop occurring in 2019 at 20.1%.

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

Exports hydrogen, rare gases and other non-metals from Czechia

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports peaked in 2019 at 172.4 thousand tonnes and fell to a low of 70.3 thousand tonnes in 2020, representing a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, foreign supplies of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals from Czechia totaled 145.6 thousand tonnes, showing a significant 107.1% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2020 at 59.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Slovakia, and Poland were the primary destinations for Czech exports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in kind. Germany accounted for 40.8% of exports, Slovakia for 36.8%, and Poland for 9.7%, collectively absorbing 87.3% of total exports.

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, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Czech exports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in value terms increased. In 2021, exports amounted to 27.7 million US dollars, up by 35.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 9.1%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 2.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 20.5 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year drop occurring in 2019 at 11.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Slovakia, Germany, and Poland dominated Czech exports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in value terms. Slovakia accounted for 39.0% of exports, Germany for 30.5%, and Poland for 14.4%, together comprising 83.9% of total export flows.

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, rare gases and other non-metals to Czechia

Imports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, Czech imports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in kind increased. In 2021, imports totaled 147.1 thousand tonnes, representing a solid 10.7% rise year-over-year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 20%, equating to an average annual decline of 7.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 132.7 thousand tonnes, with the largest year-on-year drop also occurring in 2020 at 18.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Czechia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Austria were the leading sources for Czech imports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in kind. Poland accounted for 64.7% of imports, Kazakhstan for 12.2%, and Austria for 9.1%, jointly taking 85.9% of total import flows.

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, M $ US

After a two-year decrease, Czech imports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in value terms rose. In 2021, import volume totaled 115.1 million US dollars, amounting to an abrupt 26.0% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports increased by 9.2%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 91.4 million US dollars, with the largest year-on-year decline also occurring in 2020 at 8.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan, Poland, and Germany remained the main markets for Czech imports of hydrogen, rare gases, and other non-metals in value terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 45.2% of imports, Poland for 13.2%, and Germany for 7.8%, collectively taking 66.2% of total import flows.

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

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