China Leads Global Hydrogen Production to New Heights
Key Ideas
- China produced over a third of the world's hydrogen output in 2024, marking a significant milestone for the country's hydrogen industry.
- Fossil fuel-based hydrogen accounts for the majority of production, but China is looking to expand electrolysis-generated hydrogen.
- The country aims to enhance the economic viability of hydrogen projects, improve industry standards, and foster innovation and international cooperation.
- Despite challenges, such as technology and operational limitations, China is pushing for large-scale development in its hydrogen industry by 2025.
China emerged as a key player in the global hydrogen market, contributing more than a third of the total hydrogen output in 2024. The National Energy Administration (NEA) reported a production of 36.5 million tons of hydrogen within the country, with a dominant share coming from fossil fuel-based sources. However, there is a growing emphasis on electrolysis-generated hydrogen, albeit currently at a smaller scale.
The International Energy Agency's estimates indicate a rising trend in global hydrogen production, reaching approximately 100 million tons in 2024. China's strategic focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for advancing its hydrogen industry highlights its ambition for large-scale projects and technological advancements.
Despite the progress, challenges persist, with the need to enhance the economic feasibility of hydrogen initiatives and establish industry standards. Xu Jilin, from the Department of Energy Conservation and Science and Technology Equipment, emphasized the importance of accelerating innovation and fostering international partnerships in the sector.
While the number of planned renewable hydrogen projects is increasing rapidly, there is a gap in technology deployment and operational efficiency compared to conventional methods. China's concerted efforts aim to bridge this gap and explore diverse application scenarios for hydrogen across industries.