Storyline China leads global hydrogen production, consumption in 2024 [Voice_over] According to new information from China's National Energy Administration, China was the global leader in hydrogen production and consumption in 2024 at more than 36.5 million tons. A report released by the agency in late April shows that last year China contributed to more than half of the 250,000 tons of capacity for hydrogen production projects around the world. During a news conference in Beijing the deputy director of the CNEA's energy conservation and sci-tech equipment department told reporters that hydrogen production in the northwest, north and northeastern parts of China accounted for more than half the national total. [Sound_bite] Xu Jilin, deputy director, energy conservation and sci-tech equipment department, National Energy Administration: "By the end of 2024, over 600 water electrolysis hydrogen production projects were planned across the country, with more than 150 already under construction or completed, yielding an annual production capacity of around 125,000 tons. These projects are mainly concentrated in northwest and north China, together accounting for nearly 90 percent of the country's total established hydrogen production capacity." [Voice_over] The report underscores China's advancements in hydrogen production, storage, and utilization. In the auto industry, large-scale pilot programs are underway for refueling stations for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, with more than 540 service stations now operating across the country. [Restrictions : No access Chinese mainland]