The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production

In response to growing environmental concerns, hydrogen production has emerged as a critical element in the transition to a sustainable global economy. We evaluate the impact of hydrogen production on both the financial performance and market value of energy sector companies, using balanced panel da...

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Main Authors: Andrzej Chmiela, Adrian Gawęda, Beata Barszczowska, Natalia Howaniec, Adrian Pysz, Adam Smoliński
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Energies
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/13/3385
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author Andrzej Chmiela
Adrian Gawęda
Beata Barszczowska
Natalia Howaniec
Adrian Pysz
Adam Smoliński
author_facet Andrzej Chmiela
Adrian Gawęda
Beata Barszczowska
Natalia Howaniec
Adrian Pysz
Adam Smoliński
author_sort Andrzej Chmiela
collection DOAJ
description In response to growing environmental concerns, hydrogen production has emerged as a critical element in the transition to a sustainable global economy. We evaluate the impact of hydrogen production on both the financial performance and market value of energy sector companies, using balanced panel data from 288 European-listed firms over the period of 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal a paradox. While hydrogen production imposes significant financial constraints, it is positively recognized by market participants. Despite short-term financial challenges, companies engaged in hydrogen production experience higher market value, as investors view these activities as a long-term growth opportunity aligned with global sustainability goals. We contribute to the literature by offering empirical evidence on the financial outcomes and market valuation of hydrogen engagement, distinguishing between production and storage activities, and further categorizing production into green, blue, and gray hydrogen. By examining these nuances, we highlight the complex relationship between financial market results. While hydrogen production may negatively impact short-term financial performance, its potential for long-term value creation, driven by decarbonization efforts and sustainability targets, makes it attractive to investors. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into how hydrogen engagement shapes corporate strategies within the evolving European energy landscape.
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series Energies
spelling doaj-art-4ba1fe02fd6e4fe69b11f7d0de792dab2025-07-11T14:38:52ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-06-011813338510.3390/en18133385The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen ProductionAndrzej Chmiela0Adrian Gawęda1Beata Barszczowska2Natalia Howaniec3Adrian Pysz4Adam Smoliński5Industrial Development Agency JSC, Mikołowska 100, 40-065 Katowice, PolandDepartment of International Finance and Investment, Faculty of Economics and Sociology, University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, PolandIndustrial Development Agency JSC, Mikołowska 100, 40-065 Katowice, PolandDepartment of Energy Saving and Air Protection, Central Mining Institute—National Research Institute, Plac Gwarkow 1, 40-166 Katowice, PolandFibrenet Group Sp Zoo, Braci Miroszewskich 122C, 41-219 Sosnowiec, PolandDepartment of Energy Saving and Air Protection, Central Mining Institute—National Research Institute, Plac Gwarkow 1, 40-166 Katowice, PolandIn response to growing environmental concerns, hydrogen production has emerged as a critical element in the transition to a sustainable global economy. We evaluate the impact of hydrogen production on both the financial performance and market value of energy sector companies, using balanced panel data from 288 European-listed firms over the period of 2018 to 2022. The findings reveal a paradox. While hydrogen production imposes significant financial constraints, it is positively recognized by market participants. Despite short-term financial challenges, companies engaged in hydrogen production experience higher market value, as investors view these activities as a long-term growth opportunity aligned with global sustainability goals. We contribute to the literature by offering empirical evidence on the financial outcomes and market valuation of hydrogen engagement, distinguishing between production and storage activities, and further categorizing production into green, blue, and gray hydrogen. By examining these nuances, we highlight the complex relationship between financial market results. While hydrogen production may negatively impact short-term financial performance, its potential for long-term value creation, driven by decarbonization efforts and sustainability targets, makes it attractive to investors. Ultimately, this study provides valuable insights into how hydrogen engagement shapes corporate strategies within the evolving European energy landscape.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/13/3385financial performanceprofitabilityreturn on assetsmarket performancecompany market valuehydrogen
spellingShingle Andrzej Chmiela
Adrian Gawęda
Beata Barszczowska
Natalia Howaniec
Adrian Pysz
Adam Smoliński
The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
Energies
financial performance
profitability
return on assets
market performance
company market value
hydrogen
title The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
title_full The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
title_fullStr The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
title_full_unstemmed The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
title_short The Financial Results of Energy Sector Companies in Europe and Their Involvement in Hydrogen Production
title_sort financial results of energy sector companies in europe and their involvement in hydrogen production
topic financial performance
profitability
return on assets
market performance
company market value
hydrogen
url https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/13/3385
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