Today, a significant portion of the global energy demand is still met by fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. However, these resources have long been the subject of criticism not only because they possess limited reserves but also due to their negative impacts on human health and the environmental damage they cause. Greenhouse gases released as a result of the combustion of fossil fuels, particularly carbon dioxide emissions, are considered among the primary causes of human-induced climate change. In this context, policies based on sustainability in energy production are being developed, and investments and scientific research on renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal are gaining increasing importance. Hydrogen is also emerging as a strategic energy carrier in the energy transition process.
As emphasized in the report titled “The Future of Hydrogen” published by the International Energy Agency in 2019, hydrogen can be produced using renewable and nuclear energy sources, as well as from fossil fuels such as natural gas and coal. The hydrogen produced can be transported via pipelines and maritime transport and can be used as an alternative fuel for residential heating or in road, maritime, and air transportation.
Due to the potential and strategic importance of hydrogen, numerous research and development projects have been carried out for many years at both national and international levels. The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) also considered that establishing a Hydrogen Energy Technologies Center would be beneficial in order to conduct these studies at an international level. Following this assessment, preparatory work began, and in 1992 Türkiye proposed that the center be established in the country.
Within the scope of feasibility studies for the establishment of the center, contacts were made not only with Türkiye as the proposed host country but also with the authorities of states such as the United States, Japan, China, India, Kuwait, Egypt, France, Germany, and Italy, as well as with the World Bank and other relevant institutions and organizations. In August 1993, UNIDO representatives visited Ankara and held meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister of the period as well as relevant ministers and bureaucrats. Türkiye stated that it could allocate land for the center and provide a budget for the establishment process. However, since the center would operate as an international entity under the framework of the United Nations, it emphasized that financial and institutional contributions from other member states would also be necessary. Following many years of preparatory work, the “International Centre for Hydrogen Energy Technologies (ICHET)” was established in Istanbul in October 2003 through an agreement signed between UNIDO and the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
Compared with electric and hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) offer several advantages in many respects. For instance, they are more efficient than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles and are environmentally friendly since they emit no harmful emissions, releasing only water vapor and warm air. FCEVs operate with pure hydrogen gas stored in a tank on the vehicle and have a driving range of more than approximately 300 miles (480 km). Another advantage is that, similar to conventional internal combustion vehicles, their refueling can be completed in about five minutes. However, both in Türkiye and around the world, the hydrogen refueling infrastructure required for these vehicles has not yet been fully developed.
In the “Türkiye Hydrogen Technologies Strategy and Roadmap” published by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye on 19 January 2023, the current situation and targets of various countries were examined. The document also states that hydrogen refueling stations will become more widespread in Türkiye in order to meet the fuel needs of fuel cell vehicles that will be developed domestically within the scope of R&D projects as well as those introduced to the market by foreign companies. It is emphasized that international safety standards designed to protect both humans and the environment will be taken into consideration in the establishment of these stations, and that hydrogen production systems using renewable electricity will be planned and expanded in an integrated manner together with refueling stations.
According to the data published by Interact Analysis in its 2024 report on global hydrogen refueling stations, by the end of 2024 there were 1,369 hydrogen stations in 44 countries worldwide with China, South Korea, Japan, France, and Germany each having more than 100 operational stations. This number is expected to increase further. When considering the economic dimension of hydrogen stations, according to Research and Markets, the hydrogen refueling station market is valued at approximately USD 1.13 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach around USD 2.28 billion by 2032. According to Fortune Business Insights, however, the figure is estimated to be approximately USD 1.08 billion in 2025 and to reach around USD 7.58 billion by 2034. Although there are differences among the data sets, the common conclusion is that infrastructure preparations for the transition to hydrogen-powered vehicles, which are considered environmentally friendly, are continuing to increase both worldwide and in Türkiye.
With our respect, regards and greetings to everyone.
References
Report: The Effects of Fossil Fuels on Health, the Environment, and the Future.
https://temizenerji.org/2025/04/03/rapor-fosil-yakitlarin-saglik-cevre-ve-gelecege-yonelik-etkileri/ (accessed 27 February 2026)International Energy Agency. The Future of Hydrogen. 2019.
https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/9e3a3493-b9a6-4b7d-b499-7ca48e357561/The_Future_of_Hydrogen.pdf (accessed 27 February 2026)Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. First National Communication. January 2007.
https://webdosya.csb.gov.tr/db/iklim/editordosya/bildirim1.pdf (accessed 1 March 2026)U.S. Department of Energy, Alternative Fuels Data Center. Fuel Cell Vehicles. n.d.
https://afdc.energy.gov/vehicles/fuel-cell (accessed 3 March 2026)Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Türkiye. Türkiye Hydrogen Technologies Strategy and Roadmap. 19 January 2023.
https://enerji.gov.tr (accessed 9 March 2026)Shirly Zhu, Interact Analysis. “80% of Global Hydrogen Refueling Stations Are Located in Just Five Countries.”
https://interactanalysis.com/insight/80-of-global-hydrogen-refueling-stations-are-located-in-just-five-countries/ (accessed 9 March 2026)Research and Markets. Hydrogen Fueling Stations Market – Global Forecast 2026–2032.
https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5715631/hydrogen-fueling-stations-market-global (accessed 9 March 2026)Fortune Business Insights. Hydrogen Fueling Station Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, by Type (Small Station (Less than 1 t/d of H₂) {Low Pressure and High Pressure}, Medium Station (1–4 t/d of H₂) {Low Pressure and High Pressure}, and Large Station (More than 4 t/d of H₂) {Low Pressure and High Pressure}), and Regional Forecast, 2026–2034.
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/hydrogen-fueling-station-market-103934 (accessed 9 March 2026)