BUSINESS

China Expands Hydrogen Push as Hurdles Remain

Published: Apr. 29, 2025 1:48 p.m. GMT+8

00:00

00:00/00:00

Listen to this article 1x

Hydrogen storage tanks at a Sinopec facility in Aksu in Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uyghur autonomous region. Photo: Xinhua

China’s hydrogen industry is scaling up fast, but slow commercialization and reliance on coal remain major hurdles, according to the country’s energy regulator.

China produced and consumed more than 36.5 million tons of hydrogen in 2024, maintaining its position as the world’s largest hydrogen market, according to a report published by the National Energy Administration (NEA) on Monday.

You've accessed an article available only to subscribers

Subscribe today for just $.99.

VIEW OPTIONS

Unlock exclusive discounts with a Caixin group subscription — ideal for teams and organizations.

Subscribe to both Caixin Global and The Wall Street Journal — for the price of one.

Share this article

Open WeChat and scan the QR code

DIGEST HUB

Digest Hub

Back

Explore the story in 30 seconds

In 2024, China produced and consumed over 36.5 million tons of hydrogen, with about 56.7% derived from coal and only 0.8% from renewable sources.
China leads in renewable hydrogen production capacity and has more than 600 planned green hydrogen projects, mostly in the north and northwest.
Major challenges include slow commercialization, technological immaturity, and a need for improved standards and regulation.

AI generated, for reference only