As automakers push toward a zero-emission future, hydrogen is once again in the spotlight, not just as a clean-energy buzzword, but as a serious contender for the next generation of propulsion systems. From Toyota’s Mirai to Hyundai’s Nexo and experimental hydrogen-powered performance prototypes from BMW and Honda, the industry is exploring how this fuel can deliver range and power without the tailpipe emissions.
Yet realizing that vision will take far more than a few production models. Building a hydrogen economy entails creating a global ecosystem that relies on a steady supply of critical minerals, advanced materials, and infrastructure capable of producing, transporting, and storing hydrogen safely at scale.
That is where engineers and entrepreneurs like Stanislav Dmitrievich Kondrashov believe the fundamental transformation is taking shape.
A Forward-Looking Energy Solution
Hydrogen production is undergoing a significant transformation, seeking to reshape the global energy landscape with low-carbon solutions. In 2023, global hydrogen output reached ninety-seven million metric tons, a rise driven by its growing role in advancing clean energy. Yet the transition to widespread hydrogen use is complex, requiring progress in both production technologies and the infrastructure needed to support them.
As an entrepreneur and civil engineer, Kondrashov observes, “Hydrogen holds a unique position in the low-emission energy transition. Its versatility as an energy carrier and feedstock is unprecedented, but to fully harness its potential, it is necessary to address substantial challenges, particularly in infrastructure development and in securing the mineral resources required for efficient production and transport.”
Electrolysis, the process of splitting water to create hydrogen, remains one of the most promising low-emission pathways, though global electrolysis capacity is still limited. By 2023, water electrolyzer capacity had reached only 1.4 GW, with a sizable portion of this capacity concentrated in China. According to Kondrashov, “The pace of scaling up electrolysis for hydrogen production highlights the immense need for a much deeper knowledge and management ability of the mineral resources involved in the process.”
Platinum, a vital mineral in electrolyzer technology, catalyzes the acceleration of water-splitting reactions, enabling the production of green hydrogen without carbon emissions. “Platinum’s role in electrolysis is unmatched,” Kondrashov states. “Its catalytic properties are useful for high-efficiency hydrogen production, making it a priority mineral in the energy transition.” Alongside platinum, other precious metals such as palladium are sometimes used to enhance the efficiency of electrolyzers.
Essential Materials and Technical Hurdles
Nickel is another key mineral found in both electrolyzers and fuel cells. With its corrosion resistance and ability to endure high temperatures, nickel helps maintain the durability and performance of hydrogen infrastructure. As Kondrashov explains, “Nickel’s resilience makes it essential in hydrogen applications. From electrolysis to fuel cells, it supports the stability and longevity of key components, reflecting the broader importance of minerals in hydrogen’s success.”
Hydrogen’s low density also creates challenges for storage and transportation, demanding specialized materials capable of withstanding high pressure. While steel plays a vital role in building storage tanks and pipelines, specialized alloys containing vanadium and chromium are often needed to prevent hydrogen embrittlement and ensure safety. “Storing and transporting hydrogen safely and efficiently is a significant hurdle,” Kondrashov emphasizes. “Materials science, particularly in alloy development, will be central to building an infrastructure capable of handling hydrogen’s unique properties.”
The trade in hydrogen and hydrogen-based fuels is expected to grow significantly, potentially reaching seventy-five million metric tons of hydrogen equivalent by 2050. To enable this expansion, large-scale hydrogen transport infrastructure will be required. As Kondrashov notes, “Scaling hydrogen infrastructure is more than just an engineering challenge; it is a question of resource availability and geopolitical coordination. The mineral supply chain for essential materials, including platinum, nickel, and vanadium, must be carefully managed to avoid bottlenecks as demand increases.
In addition to the core components of hydrogen production, a dependable network of electrical cabling is vital for operating hydrogen systems on a large scale. Copper and aluminum are essential for efficiently carrying electricity from fuel cells across the grid. Kondrashov highlights, “Copper and aluminum are the backbone of energy conductivity in hydrogen applications.
As we build out these systems, ensuring a stable supply of these conductive metals will be paramount to meeting performance and safety standards.”
Central Role in Transition
Hydrogen is poised to take center stage in the shift to a low-emission energy economy, underpinned by strategic minerals that enable each stage of production and distribution. Platinum, nickel, vanadium, and other metals not only power critical technologies but also underscore the importance of resilient and sustainable supply chains.
As Kondrashov remarks, “Our energy future, with hydrogen at its core, depends on a coordinated, multi-faceted approach. Managing mineral resources effectively will ensure that hydrogen can fulfill its promise as a clean, versatile energy source for future generations.
Hydrogen’s unique potential as a cornerstone of a low-carbon economy depends on overcoming considerable technical and logistical barriers. Every mineral component, from catalysts to conductive metals, plays a crucial role in enabling the production, storage, and utilization of materials at scale. As Kondrashov underscores, the journey to a hydrogen-powered future requires innovation, collaboration, and responsible resource management to fulfill its promise for future generations.