Big Hydrogen Bets Reshape U.S. Energy Future

Baker Hughes, Electric Hydrogen, and Sumitomo push U.S. hydrogen growth despite policy hurdles

14 Oct 2025

America’s hydrogen push is shifting from talk to traction. Global energy giants are joining forces to turn clean hydrogen from a futuristic promise into a working piece of the country’s energy mix.

The biggest move yet comes from Baker Hughes, which plans to buy Chart Industries for $13.6 billion by mid-2026. The deal would give Baker Hughes control over everything from hydrogen liquefaction to storage tanks and transport systems, cementing its role as a major player in North American hydrogen infrastructure. If approved, analysts say, it could redefine the supply chain for large-scale hydrogen projects.

Electric Hydrogen, another fast-rising player, acquired Ambient Fuels in May 2025 and teamed up with Generate Capital to speed up project rollouts. The company says its all-in-one approach can slash production costs by as much as 60 percent. Experts remain cautious, noting that financing and permits could still slow progress. “Developers can’t wait years for financing; they need turnkey solutions now,” a company spokesperson said.

In July, Japan’s Sumitomo made a strategic investment in Independence Hydrogen, betting on smaller, localized hubs that produce fuel close to where it’s used. This approach could trim transport costs and make hydrogen more accessible for logistics and industrial customers. Analysts view it as a smart way to tackle hydrogen’s toughest obstacle: distribution.

Despite the buzz, big challenges remain. Permitting delays, unclear policy frameworks, and the sheer cost of building new infrastructure continue to test the sector’s momentum. “Hydrogen is shifting from promise to progress,” said a senior analyst at Rystad Energy. “But scaling depends on coordinated policy support and steady capital.”

Still, the direction is clear. With deals piling up and new partnerships forming, the U.S. is fast becoming one of the most active arenas for hydrogen innovation. If momentum holds, these alliances could turn America’s clean energy ambitions into something tangible and lasting.