The 2025 International Hydrogen Energy Conference opened on March 26 in Beijing, alongside the International Hydrogen Energy and Fuel Cell Industry Exhibition. This event aimed to address critical questions regarding the current state of the hydrogen energy industry and the development paths of hydrogen technology in China.
Hosted by the China Hydrogen Alliance and the China Electricity Council, the conference’s theme was “Towards New and Green: Creating Win-Win Cooperation”. It served as a platform for global exchange, dialogue, and collaboration in the hydrogen energy sector. Experts discussed various topics, including international hydrogen development trends, new directions in industry development, and the establishment of a collaborative innovation system for the hydrogen energy industry.
As a green, low-carbon, and versatile energy source, hydrogen is a crucial choice for major economies aiming to transition to low-carbon energy systems. Currently, over 50 countries and regions worldwide have announced hydrogen strategies, and major economies have planned a renewable hydrogen capacity exceeding 50 million tons by 2030. The application of hydrogen is expanding from the transportation sector to areas such as green shipping and industrial decarbonization.
As the world’s largest producer and consumer of hydrogen, China has prioritized hydrogen energy as a strategic emerging industry and a focus for future energy development. According to Peng Suping, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering and a professor at China University of Mining and Technology, the Chinese government has been continuously enhancing and refining policies in the hydrogen sector, providing strong support for industry development through planning, financial backing, and standards establishment.
In March 2022, the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration released the Medium- and Long-Term Plan for Hydrogen Industry Development (2021-2035), which clarified the strategic positioning of hydrogen and its industry, aiming to establish a hydrogen supply system and promote applications. This plan outlines a grand vision for the medium- and long-term development of China’s hydrogen industry. The Energy Law of the People’s Republic of China, which took effect in January, has also established the principal status of hydrogen energy, ushering in new opportunities for industry growth.
Currently, every aspect of China’s hydrogen industry, from production to storage, transportation, and usage, is showing positive development. Large-scale renewable energy hydrogen production projects in regions like Xinjiang and Ningxia have been completed and demonstrate a comprehensive process from renewable hydrogen production to storage and utilization.
“China has established numerous research institutions and innovation platforms related to the hydrogen industry, forming a preliminary hydrogen industry chain and technology chain while actively pursuing key technological innovations,” Peng Suping noted. “We have developed three main technology sectors: hydrogen production and storage technologies, hydrogen storage and distribution technologies, and hydrogen feedstock and power technologies.”
By 2024, the global capacity for renewable energy hydrogen production is expected to exceed 250,000 tons per year, with China accounting for over 50%, establishing itself as a leader in renewable hydrogen production and related industry development. China is also promoting collaboration across the hydrogen industry chain, supply chain, and innovation chain, participating in the construction of international standards and certification systems to contribute Chinese wisdom to global energy transitions.
Nevertheless, challenges persist, including insufficient economic viability of hydrogen applications, technological innovation gaps, and the absence of foundational institutional frameworks.
“The hydrogen industry is still in its early stages of commercialization and faces numerous practical difficulties and challenges. Therefore, it is essential to foster an open and innovative ecosystem, promote collaborative efforts in the global hydrogen industry chain and supply chain, and leverage global innovation resources and results to pragmatically advance a scalable and profitable hydrogen industry,” stated Yan Guochun, deputy general manager of the State Energy Group.
Guan Yong, former vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering and executive deputy director of the Strategic Guidance Committee of the China Hydrogen Alliance, emphasized the importance of enhancing national top-level design and innovation-driven approaches. He advocated for the establishment of a hydrogen trading system that complements and supports the power trading system and for a smart pricing mechanism for green electricity and hydrogen. Additionally, he suggested building a large-scale green hydrogen and derivative product supply system centered around major hydrogen production bases and large-capacity pipelines in regions rich in renewable energy.
Peng Suping recommended continuing to strengthen support for hydrogen technology innovation, accelerating pilot demonstrations of advanced hydrogen technologies, enhancing the talent pool in the hydrogen industry, and intensifying international cooperation to elevate the international standards of hydrogen technology and industries.
