25 Aug 2023
Hydrogen Tech Companies Face Hurdles Amidst Green Hydrogen Dreams
As the clean energy sector surges forward, hydrogen tech companies find themselves at a crossroads in 2023. The journey for hydrogen stocks this year has been marked by mixed results, reflecting a common theme of ongoing losses despite impressive revenue growth. These companies, driven by the promise of a green hydrogen economy, are grappling with hurdles that have hindered their profitability and investor confidence.
Unveiling the Q2 2023 Numbers
Leading hydrogen and fuel cell manufacturers unveiled their Q2 2023 financials, revealing a story of ambition tempered by challenges. Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) showed a revenue surge of 72.0% year-over-year, totaling $260.18 million, yet their Q2 GAAP EPS of -$0.40 missed expectations by $0.14. Bloom Energy Corp. (NYSE: BE) reported a 23.8% Y/Y revenue growth of $301.1 million, though Q2 Non-GAAP EPS of -$0.17 missed by $0.03. FuelCell Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) boasted an impressive 133.8% Y/Y revenue increase, reaching $38.3 million, but their Q2 GAAP EPS of -$0.09 fell short by $0.01. Ballard Power Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: BLDP) faced revenue decline, with $15.3 million (-26.8% Y/Y), yet their Q2 GAAP EPS of -$0.10 beat expectations by $0.03.
Trials and Triumphs
Two key challenges persistently shadow the hydrogen tech landscape: limited adoption and high costs. Navigating these hurdles is a formidable task for companies striving to innovate their fuel cell technologies. Research and development costs remain high, while scaling up manufacturing capabilities drives additional expenses. Moreover, the economics of green hydrogen – the favored type backed by governments – face a cost disadvantage. Producing green hydrogen through renewable energy-powered water electrolysis costs around $5 per kilogram, significantly higher than the $1.50 per kilogram for gray hydrogen derived from natural gas.
The Path to Financing and Offtake Deals
The hydrogen sector confronts a unique marketing challenge: the absence of a hydrogen merchant market. To attract financing, hydrogen projects must offer bankable offtake schemes. However, the expectations surrounding these schemes diverge, complicating the contracting process. Variability in financing and offtake deal structures underscores the sector's complexity. The lack of a singular model for hydrogen endeavors necessitates the emergence of multiple models over time, a sentiment echoed by industry experts.
Emerging Opportunities
While challenges persist, a path to establishing hydrogen infrastructure is coming into focus. Capital costs for electrolysis are declining, and the accessibility of cost-competitive renewable energy for hydrogen generation is on the horizon. Existing use cases for hydrogen, especially those reliant on gray hydrogen, show promise in the transition to green or blue hydrogen. Areas like ammonia production and petroleum refining present early opportunities due to their well-defined offtake scenarios. Additionally, specialty vehicles such as forklifts, powered by hydrogen fuel cells, are gaining traction.
The Envisioned Hydrogen Economy
Despite the obstacles, proponents continue to tout the hydrogen economy's potential. Governments worldwide, particularly in the West, are embracing hydrogen as the future's fuel. Hydrogen's unique emission profile, producing only water vapor when burned, addresses renewable energy's challenges of curtailment and intermittency. The momentum is palpable: the US and the EU have announced ambitious hydrogen production targets, signaling their commitment to a cleaner energy future.
In this dynamic landscape, hydrogen tech companies navigate challenges while aligning with the vision of a green hydrogen economy. Although uncertainties persist, the drive to realize a sustainable energy future remains steadfast, anchored by innovation and collaboration.