Hydrogen Production Industry Overview for Manufacturers

Blue Hydrogen

For small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) in Appalachia, the “Hydrogen Economy” is no longer a futuristic concept—it is an immediate purchase order opportunity. As of late 2025, the demand for blue hydrogen production is accelerating, driven by the region’s geological advantages and industrial legacy. However, the landscape is shifting. While federal seed money kick-started this conversation, recent political changes have placed about $1.7 billion in federal funding for regional hydrogen projects at risk. This volatility creates a divergence in the market: projects reliant solely on government funding face headwinds, while blue hydrogen projects backed by private capital and natural gas assets remain robust. The opportunity for SMMs is not in the chemical science, but in the hardware: the tanks, pipes, compressors and pressure vessels required to build these massive facilities.

This report maps the supply chain for Steam-Methane Reforming (SMR) with Carbon Capture, providing the data and NAICS codes you need to identify your place in the chain and how to vet potential customers in a volatile funding environment.