Europe is placing a massive wager on hydrogen infrastructure, committing nearly $55 billion to pipeline projects that position the continent as the clear leader in building the backbone for a global clean energy carrier. According to Industrial Info Resources data released this week, the region accounts for more than 300 of 346 tracked hydrogen pipeline projects worldwide, representing about 90% of the $61 billion in total planned investment. Asia trails far behind with 34 projects valued at $4.7 billion, while the U.S. has just seven active projects worth $1.6 billion. Success could cement Europe’s energy security post-Russia gas dependence, create thousands of jobs and give it first-mover advantage in a projected multi-trillion-dollar global hydrogen market. For now, Europe’s $55 billion pipeline gamble signals confidence that building the network will spur the production and demand needed to make hydrogen a cornerstone of the net-zero economy.