Global hydrogen trade corridors are becoming a critical component of the emerging hydrogen economy, facilitating the movement of hydrogen from resource-rich regions to demand centers. These corridors are essential for meeting decarbonization goals, ensuring energy security, and enabling industrial growth. The development of such corridors involves complex infrastructure, diverse transport modes, and rigorous economic assessments. Key routes are already emerging, with some at advanced stages of planning and others in early feasibility studies.

One of the most advanced hydrogen trade corridors is between Australia and Japan. Australia, with its abundant renewable energy resources, is positioning itself as a leading exporter of green hydrogen. Japan, lacking sufficient domestic renewable capacity, has identified hydrogen as a key pillar of its energy transition strategy. The primary transport mode under consideration is liquid hydrogen (LH2) shipping, with pilot projects already underway. The Suiso Frontier, the world’s first liquid hydrogen carrier, has completed trial shipments between Australia and Japan. Infrastructure requirements include large-scale liquefaction plants at export hubs and regasification terminals at import locations. Economic viability hinges on scaling up production to reduce costs, with estimates suggesting that large-scale projects could achieve competitive pricing by 2030.

Another significant corridor is forming between North Africa and Europe. Countries like Morocco and Algeria possess vast solar and wind resources, making them ideal for green hydrogen production. Europe, with its ambitious hydrogen strategy, seeks to import renewable hydrogen to supplement domestic production. The most likely transport modes for this corridor are ammonia and liquid organic hydrogen carriers (LOHCs), given the existing infrastructure for ammonia trade and the stability of LOHCs for long-distance shipping. Pipeline options are also under discussion, particularly via Spain, leveraging existing natural gas infrastructure with modifications. The economic viability of this corridor depends on production costs in North Africa, which are projected to be among the lowest globally due to high solar irradiance and wind speeds. Strategic importance lies in Europe’s diversification of energy sources and North Africa’s potential for economic development through hydrogen exports.

The Middle East is another key player in hydrogen trade corridors, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. These nations are investing heavily in green and blue hydrogen projects, capitalizing on their low-cost renewable energy and fossil fuel resources with carbon capture. Potential trade routes include shipments to Europe and Asia, with ammonia being the preferred carrier due to existing market structures. Infrastructure investments include large-scale electrolysis plants, ammonia synthesis facilities, and export terminals. The economic case for Middle Eastern hydrogen is strong, given the region’s energy cost advantages and established export logistics. The strategic importance of this corridor lies in the Middle East’s ability to pivot from oil dominance to hydrogen leadership.

Chile is emerging as a major hydrogen exporter due to its exceptional solar and wind resources in the Atacama Desert. Trade corridors from Chile to Europe and Asia are under exploration, with ammonia and LOHCs as likely transport vectors. The infrastructure challenge lies in establishing export terminals on Chile’s remote coastline and securing shipping routes. Economic viability is promising, with studies indicating that Chile could produce some of the cheapest green hydrogen globally. The strategic value of this corridor is its potential to supply hydrogen to markets with limited renewable resources, such as Japan and South Korea.

Norway is also positioning itself as a hydrogen exporter, leveraging its hydropower and offshore wind capabilities. Potential trade routes include pipeline exports to Europe and liquid hydrogen shipments. The infrastructure required includes offshore wind farms dedicated to hydrogen production and pipeline networks connected to industrial hubs in Germany and the Netherlands. Economic assessments suggest that Norway’s hydrogen could be competitive, particularly for industrial decarbonization in Northern Europe. The strategic importance lies in Europe’s need for reliable, low-carbon hydrogen sources.

North America, particularly the U.S. and Canada, is exploring hydrogen trade corridors with Asia and Europe. The U.S. Gulf Coast, with its existing energy infrastructure, is a candidate for blue hydrogen exports, while Canada’s hydropower-rich regions could supply green hydrogen. Transport modes under consideration include ammonia shipping and pipeline exports to Mexico for further processing. Economic viability depends on policy support and scaling production to achieve cost reductions. The strategic significance of this corridor is its potential to integrate with existing energy trade flows.

Infrastructure requirements for hydrogen trade corridors vary by transport mode. For liquid hydrogen, cryogenic storage and specialized vessels are necessary. Ammonia trade relies on existing chemical shipping infrastructure but requires cracking facilities to extract hydrogen at the destination. LOHCs need dehydrogenation plants, while pipelines require materials resistant to hydrogen embrittlement. Each mode has trade-offs in energy density, cost, and technological maturity.

Economic viability is influenced by production costs, transport expenses, and end-user demand. Regions with low-cost renewables or fossil fuels with carbon capture have a competitive edge. Transport costs are lowest for pipelines where feasible, followed by ammonia shipping due to established markets. Liquid hydrogen and LOHCs are currently more expensive but may become competitive with scaling.

Emerging corridors like Australia-Japan and North Africa-Europe highlight the strategic realignment of global energy trade. These routes not only support decarbonization but also foster geopolitical partnerships. As the hydrogen economy matures, these corridors will play a pivotal role in shaping energy markets and industrial competitiveness. The success of hydrogen trade depends on coordinated policy, technological advancements, and international collaboration to overcome infrastructure and economic challenges.