Green hydrogen procurement contracts for heavy industry
Jul 6 – Oct 20, 2026Updated Oct 20, 2026
Reviewed by Dimitry Apollonsky
AI summary
Air Products has a clear lead for long-term green hydrogen supply and offtake contracts serving steel, ammonia, refining, and chemicals.
Which brands AI mentions
Long-term supply and offtake for steel, ammonia, refining, and chemicals.
Mentioned in
ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode
Widest split: RWE, 96% on ChatGPT and 29% on Google AI Mode.
- #1Air ProductsChatGPT 88%Google AI Mode 96%
- #2tiedAir LiquideChatGPT 67%Google AI Mode 83%
- #2tiedLindeChatGPT 63%Google AI Mode 71%
- #2tiedRWEChatGPT 96%Google AI Mode 29%
- #5tiedPlug PowerChatGPT 50%Google AI Mode 67%
Questions and answers
ChatGPTOct 11, 2026
Who offers green hydrogen procurement contracts for heavy industry?
As of October 2026, the strongest starting points for industrial buyers are RWE, EWE, Uniper, Air Products, Air Liquide, Linde, and Iberdrola, alongside procurement intermediaries such as H2Global. They differ in whether they can contract directly for renewable hydrogen, supply hydrogen derivatives such as green ammonia, or help buyers aggregate demand.
For steelmaking, refining, chemicals, fertilizers, and other energy-intensive industries, I would prioritize suppliers with demonstrated long-term offtake agreements over developers that have only announced projects.
Leading suppliers and procurement routes
1. RWE — industrial-scale direct supply
(Proven long-term contract)
Best for: Refineries, chemicals, industrial clusters
RWE agreed to supply TotalEnergies' Leuna refinery with approximately 30,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually from 2030 through 2044, linked to its electrolyzer project in Lingen, Germany. This is a strong reference model for a large industrial buyer seeking a long-term supply agreement.
2. EWE — dedicated renewable hydrogen supply
(Proven long-term contract)
Best for: Steel, German industrial clusters
EWE signed a seven-year agreement for approximately 10,000 tonnes annually with Salzgitter Flachstahl, with deliveries expected to begin in 2030. EWE has also indicated that additional supply may be available from its planned Emden production facility.
3. Uniper — hydrogen and derivative procurement
Best for: Steel, chemicals, energy-intensive manufacturing
Uniper is worth approaching for industrial hydrogen supply and green ammonia procurement. Its commercial activities span hydrogen production, imports, and derivatives, making it a potential counterparty for large-volume or cross-border requirements. Confirm current project-specific volumes, delivery dates, and contractual availability directly.
4. Air Products — global hydrogen supply and green ammonia
Best for: Refining, chemicals, ammonia, large industrial sites
Air Products is an established industrial hydrogen supplier with global production and distribution capabilities. It is especially relevant when buyers need large volumes, established infrastructure, or imported hydrogen derivatives. Its NEOM project in Saudi Arabia is structured around major green-ammonia offtake commitments.
5. Air Liquide — industrial-gas supply contracts
Best for: Chemicals, refining, metals, manufacturing
Air Liquide is a logical candidate for site-integrated hydrogen supply, industrial-gas infrastructure, and decarbonization projects. Ask specifically for renewable-hydrogen availability, certification, and whether supply can be guaranteed under a long-term contract rather than assuming all of its hydrogen is green.
6. Linde — integrated industrial hydrogen supply
Best for: Metals, chemicals, refining, manufacturing
Linde's industrial-gas networks, production facilities, and on-site supply expertise make it a potential partner for plants needing reliable hydrogen delivery. Specify renewable electricity sourcing and certification requirements when requesting proposals.
7. Iberdrola — renewable power and hydrogen project development
Best for: Steel, fertilizers, refining, European industrial hubs
Iberdrola develops renewable-energy and green-hydrogen projects and is relevant where an industrial buyer wants to link renewable electricity, electrolyzer production, and long-term hydrogen offtake. Confirm which projects are operational or contracted and which remain under development.
8. Procurement intermediary: H2Global / Hintco
(Alternative contracting route)
H2Global is particularly interesting for buyers who want to procure renewable hydrogen or derivatives through competitive auctions rather than negotiate the entire supply chain independently.
Hintco, its trading intermediary, contracts with producers through longer-term purchase agreements and resells products through buyer auctions. Eligible products include renewable hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol. Buyer participation depends on the relevant tender and its eligibility rules.
Which providers should you approach first?
Industrial requirement Recommended starting point Steelmaking and direct-reduced iron EWE, Uniper, Iberdrola Refinery hydrogen replacement RWE, Air Products, Air Liquide Chemicals and fertilizer feedstock Air Products, Linde, Uniper Imported green ammonia or hydrogen derivatives Air Products, Uniper, H2Global/Hintco Competitive procurement with an intermediary H2Global/Hintco US-based industrial supply Air Products, Air Liquide, Linde; investigate regional hub developers For US buyers, the Department of Energy's Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs program is another useful starting point for identifying production, transportation, and industrial demand networks. However, a hub award or development project is not itself a guarantee that a supplier has available green hydrogen under a commercial contract.
What to request in a procurement RFP
When contacting these providers, request proposals covering:
- Volume: annual tonnes and minimum guaranteed hourly or daily delivery.
- Timing: immediate supply versus future delivery after a new electrolyzer becomes operational.
- Price: fixed price, indexed price, renewable-power pass-through, and any green premium.
- Certification: renewable electricity provenance and compliance with the applicable green-hydrogen standard.
- Delivery: pipeline, on-site production, compressed gas, liquid hydrogen, or ammonia converted back to hydrogen.
- Contract terms: take-or-pay obligations, price adjustment, minimum offtake, supply shortfalls, and termination rights.
One important distinction: a contract for low-carbon hydrogen is not necessarily a contract for green hydrogen. Specify the certification and emissions methodology you require.
To narrow this to actual procurement opportunities
Which market are you targeting?
1. Geographic market
United States
Europe
Asia-Pacific
Global / imports
2. Industrial sector
Steel and iron
Oil refining
Chemicals and fertilizers
Cement and other heavy industry
3. Expected annual volume
Under 1,000 tonnes
1,000–10,000 tonnes
10,000–50,000 tonnes
Over 50,000 tonnes
4. Target supply start
2026–2027
2028–2030
After 2030
[Find matching procurement opportunities]
Sources cited in this answer18
- rwe.comRWE and TotalEnergies agree groundbreaking long-term offtake agreement for green hydrogen
- rwe.comRWE and TotalEnergies agree groundbreaking long-term offtake agreement for green hydrogen
- rwe.comRWE | Our energy for a sustainable life.
- salzgitter-ag.comSalzgitter AG and EWE finalize contract for the supply of green hydrogen | Salzgitter AG
- ewe.comSalzgitter AG and EWE finalize contract for the supply of green hydrogen | EWE AG
- h2prism.comHydrogen Projects, Companies & Policy Intelligence | H2Prism
Google AI ModeOct 11, 2026
Procurement and long-term offtake contracts for green hydrogen are primarily offered by
major global industrial gas conglomerates, energy supermajors, and specialized clean-tech project developers. Because green hydrogen production requires massive upfront capital expenditure and dedicated renewable power, these contracts are usually structured as long-duration offtake agreements or joint-venture supply frameworks tailored to hard-to-abate heavy industries (such as steel, chemicals, refining, and heavy transport).The primary entities offering green hydrogen procurement contracts include:
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. : The world's largest hydrogen supplier, actively developing and managing multi-billion-dollar mega-scale green hydrogen and green ammonia production facilities globally (such as the massive NEOM project and U.S. projects backed by dedicated wind and solar) offering long-term supply contracts.
- Air Liquide : A global industrial gas leader offering low-carbon and renewable hydrogen procurement options, backed by industrial-scale electrolyzers (such as projects in Europe) and secured via green power purchase agreements (PPAs).
- Linde plc : The world's largest industrial gas company, which builds, owns, and operates green hydrogen production facilities and provides customized merchant and pipeline supply contracts for industrial and manufacturing clients.
- Energy Supermajors and Utilities (e.g., Shell, BP, and Engie) : Broad energy companies leveraging their massive renewable portfolios to offer customized corporate green hydrogen and green ammonia procurement terms for heavy manufacturing and chemical feedstock users.
- Specialized Clean Hydrogen & Electrolyzer Developers (e.g., Plug Power) : Companies that deploy localized or multi-gigawatt electrolyzer ecosystems, offering direct equipment-to-supply framework agreements for industrial users looking to integrate green hydrogen on-site or regionally.
- Collaborative Market Makers (e.g., Green Hydrogen Coalition / HyBuild) : Organizations working to aggregate multi-sector heavy industry demand (such as steelmakers and logistics firms) to streamline bankable purchase agreement frameworks and standardize procurement.
If you are looking to source green hydrogen or draft an offtake agreement, let me know:
- What specific heavy industry sector (e.g., steel, ammonia/fertilizers, refining) you are working with
- The volume and geographic region required
I can provide more targeted details on contract structures or active regional suppliers.
ChatGPTOct 20, 2026
Green hydrogen suppliers for heavy industry
For heavy industrial applications, you’ll want suppliers that can do more than sell hydrogen by the kilogram. The strongest candidates offer long-term green hydrogen offtake agreements, industrial-scale supply, delivery infrastructure, and credible renewable-energy sourcing.
For steelmaking, refining, ammonia and fertilizer production, chemicals, cement, and other energy-intensive operations, I’d focus on three procurement models:
- Direct supply contracts: A producer supplies hydrogen by pipeline, trailer, or on-site production.
- Long-term offtake agreements: Your facility commits to buying a defined volume over multiple years, often with negotiated pricing and volume flexibility.
- On-site or co-located production: A supplier develops or operates an electrolyzer at or near your industrial site.
The best route depends heavily on your plant's location, hydrogen demand, and whether you need gaseous hydrogen, liquid hydrogen, or hydrogen delivered through a pipeline.
1. Supplier shortlist
These are the strongest starting points from my research, prioritized by evidence of industrial supply capabilities or actual long-term procurement agreements.
1. Air Products
(Strong North American candidate)
Industrial gas supplier with pipeline, on-site generation, bulk delivery, and storage capabilities. It specifically serves refining, chemicals, cement, and metals. It has also signed a 15-year agreement to supply TotalEnergies' European refineries with 70,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually starting in 2030. Confirm green-hydrogen availability at your site rather than assuming its existing conventional supply is renewable.
Best for: Large continuous demand and integrated supply infrastructure.
2. Plug Power
Offers long-term hydrogen supply contracts, flexible purchasing, and turnkey delivery infrastructure. Its North American network advertises 40 tons per day of production capacity. For a heavy industrial buyer, request a proposal that specifies renewable hydrogen, certified carbon intensity, and committed volumes; not every supply offering is necessarily green.
Best for: North American buyers seeking a bundled supply and infrastructure arrangement.
Hydrogen supply and contract options
3. CHARBONE
A North American producer and distributor focused on clean, ultra-high-purity hydrogen. It has announced industrial gas supply-chain development in Quebec and commercial hydrogen orders in New York State. Its clean-hydrogen positioning makes it worth screening, but confirm that the specific production source meets your definition of green hydrogen and can meet your required scale.
Best for: Buyers in Quebec and northeastern North America investigating regional supply.
4. EWE
EWE signed a seven-year green-hydrogen supply contract with steelmaker Salzgitter in June 2026 for approximately 10,000 tonnes per year, with deliveries planned from 2030 from its Emden production project. This is particularly strong evidence of its ability to structure contracts for heavy industry.
Best for: Steelmaking and other large industrial buyers in Germany.
5. RWE
RWE agreed to supply TotalEnergies' Leuna refinery with around 30,000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen annually for 15 years starting in 2030. This is a relevant benchmark for buyers considering a long-term contract tied to a new electrolyzer project.
Best for: European refineries and large anchor customers willing to contract for future production.
6. Lhyfe and Messer
Lhyfe develops and operates renewable hydrogen production facilities; Messer brings industrial-gas distribution and logistics. In July 2026, they announced a 10-year renewable-hydrogen supply arrangement covering sites in France and Germany, with volumes expected to increase to several hundred tonnes annually.
Best for: European industrial customers who need renewable hydrogen plus distribution support.
Lhyfe ·
2. Compare suppliers against your procurement needs
Supplier Contract evidence Main consideration Air Products 15-year refinery agreement Delivery infrastructure and green supply availability Plug Power Long-term supply offerings Project-specific green sourcing and scale CHARBONE Clean-hydrogen commercial orders Production scale and certification EWE 10,000 tonnes/year for steel Planned deliveries from 2030 RWE 30,000 tonnes/year for a refinery Planned deliveries from 2030 Lhyfe / Messer 10-year renewable supply arrangement Regional capacity and distribution These are not equivalent offers: some are established supply services, while others depend on planned production and future delivery dates. The published contracts establish commercial precedents, not that these suppliers currently have uncommitted capacity available for your facility.
3. What to require in your RFP
When contacting these suppliers, request a binding or indicative commercial proposal covering:
- Annual volume: tonnes per year, minimum and maximum quantities, ramp-up schedule, and peak hourly demand.
- Contract term: for example, 5, 10, or 15 years, with commissioning and start-of-delivery milestones.
- Delivered price: price per kilogram at your facility, including compression, transport, storage, and any renewable-energy premium.
- Green certification: production pathway, lifecycle carbon intensity, renewable electricity sourcing, and independent verification.
- Reliability: guaranteed availability, backup supply, outage provisions, and penalties for missed deliveries.
- Commercial flexibility: take-or-pay obligations, volume tolerance, price indexation, termination rights, and force majeure provisions.
For a U.S. facility, align emissions reporting with your intended regulatory and incentive requirements; DOE's hydrogen guidance and the applicable IRS rules are useful starting points.
4. Let’s narrow this to suppliers you can actually contract with
The single most important detail is where the industrial facility is located. Supply economics and delivery infrastructure vary substantially by region.
Industrial hydrogen sourcing profile
Use these details to identify suppliers that match your procurement requirements.
Facility location
Northeastern United States
Rest of United States or Canada
Europe
Asia or other global region
Industrial application
Steel / iron reduction
Chemicals / refining
Ammonia / fertilizer
Cement / high-temperature heat
Other heavy industry
Estimated annual hydrogen demand
Under 100 tonnes/year
100–1,000 tonnes/year
1,000–10,000 tonnes/year
Over 10,000 tonnes/year
Not yet determined
Preferred supply method
Pipeline or on-site production
Bulk gaseous hydrogen by truck
Liquid hydrogen delivery
Open to all options
Target contract start
Immediately or by 2027
2028–2030
2031 or later
[Find matching suppliers]
Once those requirements are set, the next step is to produce a procurement shortlist with supplier contacts, relevant contract precedents, likely delivery routes, and questions to use in an RFP.
Sources cited in this answer25
- solution.airproducts.comAir Products
- aerproducts.comTotalEnergies and Air Products Green Hydrogen Deal
- airproducts.comHome | Industrial Gas Supplier | Air Products
- solution.airproducts.comAir Products
- plugpower.comZero-Emission Hydrogen Fuel Cell Products
- globenewswire.comPlug Power Selected to Supply a 275 MW GenEco Electrolyzer
Google AI ModeOct 20, 2026
When procuring green hydrogen via long-term Hydrogen Purchase Agreements (HPAs) or offtake contracts for heavy industry (such as steelmaking, chemicals, refining, and fertilizers),
tier-one industrial gas suppliers and specialized renewable energy conglomeratesoffer customized, multi-year supply frameworks.Major global suppliers structuring industrial-scale green hydrogen procurement contracts include:
- Air ProductsAir Products : Operates mega-scale green and blue hydrogen production complexes worldwide (including massive joint ventures like the NEOM green ammonia/hydrogen project and U.S. facility investments) capable of securing long-term, exclusive supply and distribution contracts.
- Linde plcLinde plc : A global pioneer in industrial gases with an extensive network of production facilities and green hydrogen output via proprietary or joint-venture electrolysis technologies (such as ITM Linde Electrolysis) tailored for refineries and chemical plants.
- Air LiquideAir Liquide : Develops large industrial-scale PEM and alkaline electrolysis units (such as major low-carbon hydrogen production plants in North America and Europe) structured around dedicated long-term industrial supply of gaseous or liquid hydrogen.
- Siemens EnergySiemens Energy : Provides turnkey industrial green hydrogen plant integration and Silyzer electrolysis technology, actively partnering with heavy industrial users (such as steel and chemical manufacturers) on direct grid-connected supply infrastructure.
- Plug PowerPlug Power : Operates an expanding green hydrogen production network across North America, providing commercial liquid/gaseous green hydrogen supply agreements and custom fuel infrastructure for large-scale heavy-duty industrial and logistics operations.
- ITM PowerITM Power : Delivers utility-scale PEM electrolyser systems and specialized build-own-operate models through subsidiaries like Hydropulse, targeting long-term green hydrogen-as-a-service offtake agreements for heavy industries like steelmaking and chemicals.
Key Contract Considerations for Heavy Industry
When entering negotiations with these suppliers, industrial offtakers typically focus on:
- Tenure and Volume: Securing 10-to-15-year legally binding HPAs (Hydrogen Purchase Agreements) to lock in baseload volume delivery schedules and support project bankability.
- Certifications & Additionality: Ensuring strict guarantees regarding renewable energy matching and carbon-intensity thresholds (complying with regional standards like RED II in Europe or IRA guidelines in the U.S.).
- Price Structures: Managing the "green premium" gap through fixed-price mechanisms, indexing to local renewable power PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements), or utilizing structured public intermediary frameworks like Europe's H2Global double-auction schemes.
Sources cited in this answer4
- oxfordenergy.org• In March 2025, RWE and TotalEnergies agreed on the supply of 30,000 metric tons of green hydrogen per year for 15 years, starting in 2030, marking “the largest quantity of climate-neutral hydrogen ever contracted from an electrolyser in Germany.”⁴
- ghcoalition.orgHyBuild North America Contracts Workstream — GREEN HYDROGEN COALITION
- irena.org15 Hydrogen purchase agreements
- h2fcp.orgPlug Supplies Walmart with Green Hydrogen to Fuel Retailer's Fleet ...
Also asked as
- Which companies have green hydrogen supply contracts available for heavy industry clients?