The China’s Green Hydrogen New Era: A 2030 Renewable Hydrogen 100GW Roadmap report found that under the country’s policy targets to meet Net Zero by 2060, hydrogen, in particular green hydrogen is one of the most significant solutions in driving the energy transition across heavy industry and heavy-duty transport sectors.
According to RMI, the report details analysis of the current Chinese hydrogen industry development status, building on China’s Hydrogen Roadmap, released in March this year (2022), which targeted 200,000 tonnes of green hydrogen production annually by 2025.
The report predicts that renewable hydrogen production in 2030 is likely to be concentrated in Northwest China, which has rich renewable energy resources, as well as North and East China, where hydrogen demand is high across a range of industries.
RMI said that it will be essential to reduce the cost of various elements of the hydrogen industry through a strong, large-scale demonstration of the hydrogen valley model, as well as improving planning conditions for local developments.
Additionally, the group has said that the development of China’s hydrogen industry will require a phased approach to maximise emission reductions by using range of different hydrogen sources.
Ting Li, Managing Director and Chief Representative of Beijing Office at RMI, said, “Many countries in the world have set up green hydrogen strategy for energy transition and economic growth. As the largest hydrogen producer and consumer in the world, China has issued a series of policy documents to solidify hydrogen’s role in energy system, which triggered massive privative sector actions on green hydrogen pilot adoption.
“The 100 GW target strengthens sectors confidence on accelerating green hydrogen promotion and will demonstrate a strong case for driving global hydrogen development. RMI expects to closely collaborate with stakeholders to accelerate green hydrogen utilisation and facilitate global zero carbon transition.”
On Wednesday (October 5) the Hydrogen Council released its Global Hydrogen Flows report found that China is expected to be the largest market for clean hydrogen by 2050, with a demand for 200 million tonnes. It identified the country as a region with cheap supply and large demand, predicting it is likely to meet its own demand for hydrogen without extensive imports.
Read more: Regional hydrogen supply and demand mismatch will force global trade links by 2050, report predicts
China the most important player in the hydrogen industry
Security, climate change, air pollution and global competitiveness: these are the four factors driving a hydrogen economy in China.
According to the study Overview of hydrogen and fuel cell developments in China, China’s energy security is challenged by the increasing need for energy and quick depletion of fossil fuels, while cities are struggling with unhealthy levels of pollution.
Hydrogen can be produced from a variety of sources and help diversify China’s energy system, which is currently dominated by coal and dependent on imported oil and gas resources.
Since 2010, China has not only become the world’s largest energy user, but also the largest producer of hydrogen, generating roughly 20-22 million tonnes of hydrogen in 2018.
To gain a better understanding of China’s plans for hydrogen, H2 View sat down with Chen Wei, from the China International Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Conference and Exhibition (CHFCE).
Click here to read this exclusive Q&A.