COMPOSITES AND CARBON FIBER IN HYDROGEN STORAGE

Hydrogen Storage Challenges and the Carbon Fiber Opportunity

CompositesWorld has published a first-of-its-kind technical report that assesses the materials, manufacturing processes, market and energy trends driving use of carbon fiber composites in global hydrogen (H2) storage applications for fuel cell-powered trucks, buses, trains, and passenger vehicles. 

Significant variables within and around the H2 economy will impact its rate of growth, including

  1. public and private commitment to H2investment,
  2. the implementation of large-scale H2production facilities,
  3. the cost of H2and its infrastructure,
  4. the cost of carbon fiber,
  5. adoption of H2by vehicle users and producers,
  6. H2 storage tank production capacity,
  7. and commitment by citizens and governments to a carbon-neutral future.

The report provides a review of pressure vessel manufacturers and their strategies, types of pressure vessels, technical challenges associated with hydrogen storage, and implications for the composites supply chain for this storage technology.

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Who Should Read the Report

Carbon fiber manufacturers and suppliers - Need to understand demand forecasts and performance requirements

Composite tank manufacturers - Require technical insights and market projections for capacity planning

Truck and automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers - Planning hydrogen vehicle strategies and supply chain partnerships

Investment firms and venture capitalists - Evaluating opportunities in the hydrogen value chain

Energy companies transitioning to hydrogen production and distribution

Government agencies and policymakers supporting clean energy initiatives

Research institutions focused on hydrogen storage technologies

Fleet operators considering hydrogen adoption for heavy-duty applications

700% 

Globally, there has been a 700% increase in clean H2 investment from 2020 to 2024.

Table of Contents

This report will be updated in Q1 of 2026. All purchasers of the current edition will automatically receive the updated version at no additional cost.

Executive Summary
 

Chapter 1: The H2 Economy

  • 1.1 The rationale for a H2 economy
  • 1.2 Using H2 as a fuel
  • 1.3 Growth toward a green energy economy

Chapter 2: Hydrogen Storage

  • 2.1 Types H2 storage
  • 2.2 Compressed gas H2 storage
  • 2.3 Glass fiber-reinforced Type 4 tanks
  • 2.4 Thermoplastic composite tanks
  • 2.5 Conformable/chained CGH2 tanks

Chapter 3: Solid and Liquid Hydrogen Storage

  • 3.1 Solid H2 storage
  • 3.2 Liquid H2 tanks
  • 3.3 Cryocompressed H2 tanks
  • 3.4 Aviation development of H2 storage technology, transition to LH2

Chapter 4: Type 5 H2 Tanks

  • 4.1 Pros and cons of linerless construction
  • 4.2 Early development of Type 5 tanks for space
  • 4.3 Commercial Type 5 tanks
  • 4.4 Developmental Type 5 tanks
  • 4.5 Type 5 tank manufacturing
  • 4.6 Addressing microcracking and permeation

Chapter 5: H2 Storage Targets and Improvements

  • 5.1 Storage density targets and improvements
  • 5.2 Cost targets and improvements
  • 5.3 Sensors for improved operations, extended service life

Chapter 6: Hydrogen Infrastructure

  • 6.1 Pipelines
  • 6.2 MEGC and tube trailers
  • 6.3 HRS and mobile refueling
  • 6.4 HRS market growth
  • 6.5 Growth in U.S. distribution, HRS
  • 6.6 Growth in Europe distribution, HRS

Chapter 7: H2 Markets for Composites

  • 7.1 Market drivers and risks
  • 7.2 Analysis and projections
  • 7.3 Cars and light-duty vehicles
  • 7.4 Medium- and heavy-duty trucks
  • 7.5 Buses
  • 7.6 Rail
  • 7.7 Marine
  • 7.8 Commercial aircraft & UAVs

Chapter 8: Supply Chain for the H2 Economy

  • 8.1 Tank manufacturers
  • 8.2 Carbon fiber supply and demand

Appendices

  • Appendix 1: Companies
  • Appendix 2: Elements/Units
  • Appendix 3: Acronyms/Abbreviations
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Contact

Please address questions or concerns about payment or receipt of the report to Jeff Sloan, EVP Content, CompositesWorld, at jsloan@gardner.media.

About CompositesWorld

Founded in 1993, CompositesWorld is a B2B media brand that serves the global composites manufacturing industry with reliable, high-utility technical information about the design, tooling, fabrication and finishing of fiber-reinforced composite parts and structures. CompositesWorld’s global audience is composed of the engineers, manager, and administrators who produce these parts and structures for end markets that include aerospace, defense, wind energy, marine, automotive, energy storage, and more. CompositesWorld is owned and operated by Gardner Business Media.