China unveils nationwide hydrogen pilot program to accelerate growth

China unveils nationwide hydrogen pilot program to accelerate growth

China’s National Energy Administration (NEA) has unveiled an ambitious hydrogen pilot program aimed at rapidly scaling up production, infrastructure, and end-use across the country. 

The initiative is part of China’s broader energy strategy through 2035 and signals a deepening national commitment to hydrogen, even as the country already leads the world in H₂ production, as reported by Fuel Cells Works. The program outlines 11 categories of pilot projects, covering green hydrogen production, long-duration storage, transportation, end-use applications, integrated energy hubs, and research and development. It also encourages regional governments and enterprises to lead implementation.

One key focus is on large-scale green hydrogen production, with pilot facilities required to have a minimum capacity of 100MW or generate more than 20,000 normal cubic meters (approximately 1.67 tonnes) of hydrogen per hour. These sites will be permitted to draw no more than 20% of their energy from the grid, while maintaining at least 50% operational load—a push to ensure high efficiency and reliance on renewable energy.

Other categories include off-grid electrolysers for remote regions, hydrogen blending in fossil power plants, and H₂-based long-duration energy storage, underlining the government’s intent to integrate hydrogen across various sectors of the energy economy.

China already hosts major projects such as Envision Energy’s 500MW hydrogen and ammonia plant in Chifeng, which began producing volumes in 2024. The new program is expected to accelerate similar developments nationwide.

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