China - September 25, 2024

Chinese firms make strides in hydrogen-related technology

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As they continue accelerating their transition to a green energy future, China is making strides in hydrogen related technology for the production, storage and transportation of the clean energy source.

According to the country's energy development plans, by 2025 China aims to produce 100,000 to 200,000 tons of hydrogen from renewable sources annually, which they say would cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1 to 2 million tons per year.

To meet those goals, companies in the sector are innovating in areas like hydrogen storage.

One company in east China's Jiangsu Province has developed a high-pressure hydrogen storage tank that is wrapped in carbon fiber to ensure safety.

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Ding Leizhe, deputy general manager, GUOFUHEE:

"This is called 'carbon fiber weaving', a key technique of our company. You can see the machine is weaving carbon fibers around storage tanks like a loom. Carbon fibers can greatly enhance the pressure resistance of storage tanks, making them impenetrable even by a bullet."

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Another company in Shanghai that makes hydrogen fuel-cells is the first in the country to adopt a domestically developed and produced key component that was once only available as an import.

These proton-exchange membranes are a core part of fuel cells that help convert chemical energy into electricity and that are now made in China.

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Liu Yisu, director of strategic marketing, REFIRE:

"As a key material and technology of hydrogen fuel-cells, an extensive use of domestic PEMs allows more people to enjoy the application of hydrogen technologies. We can also avoid reliance on foreign supply chains and achieve independent development."

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According to official data, China is expected to consume nearly 86 million tons of hydrogen by 2060, with an industrial value of nearly 650 billion U.S. dollars.

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