U.S. Pink Hydrogen Market (2025 - 2033) Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Process (PEM Electrolysis, Alkaline Electrolysis, Solid Oxide Electrolysis), By End Use, And Segment Forecasts, Key Companies And Competitive Analysis

U.S. Pink Hydrogen Market Summary

The U.S. pink hydrogen market size was estimated at USD 8.60 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 101.01 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 31.58% from 2025 to 2033. Pink hydrogen, produced via electrolysis powered by nuclear energy, offers a zero-emission and high-reliability hydrogen source that aligns closely with the U.S. dual decarbonization and energy security objectives.

With the United States aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050 and investing heavily in clean hydrogen hubs, pink hydrogen is emerging as a critical complement to green and blue hydrogen in supporting deep industrial decarbonization and grid resilience.

The U.S. pink hydrogen industry is gaining momentum through growing investments in nuclear-powered electrolysis infrastructure, particularly under the Department of Energy's hydrogen strategy. Supportive policies, such as production tax credits (PTCs) under the Inflation Reduction Act and funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are accelerating technology demonstrations and pilot deployments. Advancements in solid oxide and high-temperature electrolysis, along with collaborative efforts between nuclear utilities and hydrogen technology firms, are expanding the commercial viability of pink hydrogen. The stable output of atomic plants makes pink hydrogen especially attractive for applications demanding uninterrupted hydrogen supply, such as ammonia production, refining, and long-haul mobility. As states like Illinois, Virginia, and Michigan leverage their nuclear assets in clean hydrogen strategies, the U.S. pink hydrogen industry is set to become a key pillar in the country's broader hydrogen economy.

Drivers, Opportunities & Restraints

In the United States, the pink hydrogen industry is driven by climate policy, energy security priorities, and technological advancements. Federal and state-level decarbonization mandates, including the U.S. net-zero emissions goal by 2050, are spurring investment in low-carbon hydrogen pathways. With a well-established nuclear fleet, the largest in the world, the U.S. is uniquely positioned to leverage existing atomic infrastructure for clean hydrogen production. The Department of Energy’s Hydrogen Shot initiative and financial incentives under the Inflation Reduction Act further propel research, pilot programs, and commercialization efforts. Moreover, the reliability of nuclear-powered electrolysis offers a strategic advantage for industries requiring continuous hydrogen supply, such as refining, chemical manufacturing, and heavy transport.

Opportunities in the U.S. pink hydrogen industry are expanding with advancements in small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer flexible, distributed nuclear generation ideal for integrating electrolysis systems. High-temperature electrolysis (HTE) technologies are gaining traction through national lab partnerships and joint ventures between nuclear utilities and hydrogen innovators. The development of regional hydrogen hubs, including nuclear-hydrogen integration, presents promising avenues for domestic use and future exports. However, barriers remain. High upfront capital costs, nuclear waste concerns, and public opposition to atomic projects may temper adoption. Regulatory uncertainties around licensing, grid interconnection, and hydrogen classification under federal guidance also pose challenges. Addressing these issues will be essential to unlocking the full potential of pink hydrogen in the U.S. clean energy transition.

Process Insights

The alkaline electrolysis segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 57.00% in 2024. It is projected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period, due to its proven reliability, lower capital cost, and long-standing commercial use. Alkaline electrolysis has emerged as a foundational technology in the U.S. clean hydrogen space, particularly for nuclear-integrated projects where operational stability and cost-effectiveness are critical. Its robust performance and established supply chain make it an attractive option for utilities and developers seeking to scale up pink hydrogen production.

In the U.S., alkaline systems are deployed alongside nuclear energy assets, enabling large-scale hydrogen generation with consistent output. Their tolerance to impurities and durable cell components allows for prolonged operation, making them well-suited for baseload energy applications powered by nuclear plants. Government support through initiatives like the Inflation Reduction Act and funding for hydrogen hubs is driving interest in commercially mature technologies like alkaline electrolysis.

End Use Insights

The refinery segment led the market with the largest revenue share of 48.00% in 2024. This leadership position is driven by the U.S. refining industry's increasing shift toward decarbonizing hydrogen use, particularly in hydrogen-intensive operations such as hydrocracking, hydrotreating, and desulfurization. Traditionally reliant on grey hydrogen, U.S. refineries are now exploring pink hydrogen as a clean, dependable, and scalable alternative that aligns with national emissions reduction targets. With tightening federal and state-level environmental regulations, such as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) and the Clean Hydrogen Production Tax Credit (PTC), refineries are strategically integrating low-carbon hydrogen to reduce their overall carbon intensity.

The refinery segment is expected to witness at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, as nuclear-powered hydrogen production offers a stable baseload supply capable of meeting continuous industrial demand. Several hydrogen hub projects supported by the U.S. Department of Energy are exploring refinery integration as a key end-use. While infrastructure adaptation and cost remain barriers, advances in electrolysis efficiency and supportive government funding are accelerating adoption. Other sectors, such as transportation and power generation, are ramping up hydrogen deployment, but refineries remain early adopters due to their high volume, 24/7 hydrogen consumption. As the U.S. intensifies its focus on industrial decarbonization and clean fuel production, pink hydrogen is poised to play a growing role in transforming the refining landscape.

Key U.S. Pink Hydrogen Company Insights

Some of the key players shaping the U.S. pink hydrogen industry include Air Products and Chemicals, Exelon Corporation, Constellation Energy, Linde Plc, Bloom Energy, Cummins Inc., Plug Power Inc., Westinghouse Electric Company, SGH2 Energy, and ExxonMobil. These companies leverage the nation’s robust nuclear fleet and invest in advanced electrolysis technologies to scale up clean hydrogen production. Their initiatives target decarbonizing high-emission sectors such as refining, steel, chemicals, and long-haul transportation.

Recent Developments

• In February 2024, Constellation Energy, a leading U.S. nuclear power operator, launched the nation's first pink hydrogen production pilot at its Nine Mile Point nuclear facility in New York. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy funding, the project utilizes a low-temperature PEM electrolyzer to convert nuclear-generated electricity into clean hydrogen. This milestone marks a significant step in demonstrating the feasibility of integrating nuclear energy with hydrogen production to reduce carbon emissions in industrial applications.

U.S. Pink Hydrogen Market Report Scope

U.S. Pink Hydrogen Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2021 to 2033. For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the U.S. pink hydrogen market report based on the process, and end use.

• Process Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • PEM Electrolysis

  • Alkaline Electrolysis

  • Solid Oxide Electrolysis

• End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Billion, 2021 - 2033)

  • Refinery

  • Ammonia

  • Methanol

  • Steel Production

  • Transport

  • Others