Hydrogen energy, as a clean and efficient energy carrier, is increasingly highlighting its decarbonization value in "hard-to-abate sectors.". Its role in promoting the consumption of renewable energy and ensuring energy security has also received unprecedented attention.

 

In China, local policies are leading the way, and a large number of enterprises are entering the market, driving the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry.

 

Based on the data from [Hydrogen World], this article conducts a systematic analysis and insight into the overall development trend of China's hydrogen energy industry in 2024.

 

1. Hydrogen Energy Policies Continue to Be Strengthened Promoting Green Transformation and Energy Revolution

 

Image:CHA

 

As of December 25, 2024, [Hydrogen World] collected a total of 556 hydrogen energy policies issued by local governments, an increase of 105 compared to 2023. These policies cover multiple fields such as development plans, financial support, and project support. In terms of types, there are 221 development plan policies, 138 financial support policies, 111 project support policies, 74 management method policies, 9 hydrogen safety policies, and 3 standard system policies.

 

From an administrative perspective, there are 157 provincial-level policies and 399 city and county-level policies.

 

2. Hydrogen Production Side: Continuous Development of Renewable Hydrogen Expanding Scale of Hydrogen Production Projects

 

Image:CHA

 

As of December 25, 2024, [Hydrogen World] collected a total of 89 renewable energy hydrogen production projects, an increase of 30 compared to 2023. These projects cover 25 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government, autonomous regions) and involve 81 enterprises. The total scale is 1,145.4 megawatts, of which 493.4 megawatts were added in 2024. The main technical route is alkaline water electrolysis (AE), with a scale of 922.3 megawatts, accounting for 80.4%. The main source of electricity is photovoltaic power, with a project scale of 798.1 megawatts, accounting for 69.6%.

 

The main application direction is transportation, with a scale of 351.3 megawatts, accounting for 30.6%.

 

3. Hydrogen Utilization Side: Hydrogen Refueling Stations and Power Generation Projects Flourish Simultaneously, Driving the High-speed Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry

 

Image:CHA

 

In terms of hydrogen refueling stations, as of December 25, 2024, [Hydrogen World] has collected a total of 540 hydrogen refueling stations that have been built and are in operation, an increase of 66 compared to the end of 2023. They have covered 31 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government, autonomous regions).

 

The top five provinces in terms of quantity are Guangdong Province, Hebei Province, Henan Province, and Shandong Province, accounting for a total of 46.8%. Among the completed hydrogen refueling stations, 392 have operating capabilities, accounting for 72.6%, and the cumulative supply capacity reaches 313,000 kilograms per day. Among the operating hydrogen refueling stations, in terms of the implemented form, there are 253 fixed stations, accounting for 64.5%. In terms of the pressure level of the hydrogen refueling stations, there are 355 hydrogen refueling stations with a pressure of 35 megapascals, accounting for 90.6%.

 

In terms of power generation projects, as of December 25, 2024, [Hydrogen World] has collected a total of 111 fuel cell combined heat and power generation projects and power generation projects that have been built and are in operation, an increase of 18 compared to 2023. They cover 24 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government, autonomous regions). The total scale is 22.4 megawatts, an increase of 2.6 megawatts compared to 2023, among which the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has a capacity of more than 200 kilowatts. The relevant equipment is provided by 55 enterprises. The main type of fuel cell used in the projects is proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), accounting for 73.0%. The main functional scenario is fuel cell power generation, accounting for 54.1%. The main application place is the factory area, accounting for 33.3%.

 

4. Hydrogen Price Indices on China's Production and Consumption Sides Continue to Decline

 

Image:CHA

 

 

As of December 25, 2024, the national average level of the production-side index decreased from 34.0 yuan per kilogram in 2023 to an average of 29.3 yuan per kilogram in 2024. The national average level of the consumption-side index decreased from 57.5 yuan per kilogram in 2023 to an average of 51.2 yuan per kilogram in 2024.

 

Source: ChinaHydrogenAlliance