Hydrogen’s Large-Scale Application Featured in State Council Meeting
On May 23, during a State Council executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Qiang, the Green and Low-Carbon Development Action Plan for Manufacturing (2025-2027) was approved. This significant document aims to accelerate the industrialization of hydrogen energy and other clean technologies.
The meeting underscored the urgency of promoting green technology innovation and the application of advanced green technologies. It emphasized the need for a deep transformation of traditional industries towards greener practices, including the integration of large-scale equipment updates and advancements in manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, it highlighted the importance of fostering new industries with a foundation of green development, enhancing the promotion of clean energy, and improving resource recycling. The plan also calls for improved common technology breakthroughs and the establishment of standards in key sectors to better support enterprise transformations.
Although the full document has not been released, insights can be gleaned from previous announcements made by officials from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Key points include:
- Emphasizing a new model for industrialization that prioritizes green development.
- Accelerating the establishment of carbon footprint accounting standards for key products such as steel, electrolytic aluminum, lithium batteries, and new energy vehicles.
- Enhancing the comprehensive utilization of solid waste, especially focusing on used power batteries.
- Encouraging the application of clean, low-carbon hydrogen in various industrial sectors, addressing existing bottlenecks to achieve large-scale use in metallurgy, chemical industries, and other fields.
Weekly Highlights
On May 21, the urban bus company in Shannan, Tibet, announced a public tender for the purchase of 10 hydrogen-powered buses, marking a significant move towards filling the last gaps in China’s hydrogen energy industry. This development signifies the beginning of hydrogen energy applications in regions previously untouched by this technology.
On May 21, a joint statement from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and six other departments outlined plans to accelerate the promotion of new energy vessels, such as those powered by green alcohol, green ammonia, and green hydrogen. By 2027, the goal is to achieve a construction rate of approximately 40% for beautiful rivers and lakes in the country.
New Projects and Developments
Recently, the first large-scale hydrogen storage demonstration project utilizing salt caverns was inaugurated in Yexian, Henan. This Asian-first project will have the capacity to store 1.5 million cubic meters of hydrogen and is set to begin construction in November 2024.
On May 22, a demonstration project for liquid hydrogen production, storage, and application was launched in Nanchong, Sichuan. This initiative will develop a comprehensive solution for liquid hydrogen and is expected to propel the commercialization of hydrogen technologies.
Furthermore, Shaanxi Hydrogen Energy Industry Development Co. has introduced a new product for on-site hydrogen production via SOEC technology, capable of producing 50 standard cubic meters of hydrogen per hour with energy efficiency levels that exceed industry standards.
Global Developments
Honeywell has announced an agreement to acquire the catalyst technology business of Johnson Matthey for £1.8 billion, reflecting the increasing competition and investment surrounding hydrogen technologies globally.
In terms of policy support, starting June 1, 2025, Shanxi province will implement a full subsidy for highway tolls for hydrogen-powered trucks for two years, highlighting growing governmental support for hydrogen technology adoption.
In April 2025, a total of 102 fuel cell vehicles were insured in China, revealing a significant decline in sales compared to the previous year. This data underscores the fluctuating market dynamics within the hydrogen fuel sector.
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