China’s first automated production line dedicated to hydrogen sealing materials has begun trial operation in Huantai County, Zibo, Shandong Province.

The project is developed by Shandong Senrong New Materials Co., Ltd. Even before the production line enters full-scale commercial production, the company has secured orders from major electrolyser manufacturers in China and overseas for nearly 10,000 third-generation hydrogen sealing gaskets developed in-house.

Three Years of R&D Drive Domestic Technological Breakthrough

Hydrogen is widely regarded as a key clean-energy carrier for the 21st century. However, its extremely small molecules can easily permeate sealing materials, making effective sealing essential to prevent gas leaks and potential safety incidents.

Although relatively small, sealing gaskets play a critical role in the safety of hydrogen equipment.

High-performance sealing materials for hydrogen applications have traditionally relied heavily on imports. Conventional manual production processes also made it difficult to maintain dimensional accuracy and consistent product quality between batches.

After three years of research and development, Shandong Senrong New Materials has made breakthroughs in both material formulations and manufacturing processes, achieving domestic substitution for its core products.

The newly established automated production line replaces manual operations with automated manufacturing processes, addressing longstanding challenges related to product consistency and manufacturing precision.

The company's hydrogen sealing gaskets feature high resilience and low creep. When used in water electrolysis equipment, they can achieve a service life of up to 10 years.

Company Takes Lead Role in Hydrogen Sealing Standard Development

The project also marks progress in industry standardisation.

Earlier in 2026, work began on the energy-sector standard Technical Specification for Sealing of Hydrogen-Service Pressure Equipment, under the leadership of China's National Energy Administration (NEA). According to local reports, Shandong Senrong New Materials was designated as a lead drafting organisation for the standard.

The development signals a broader shift in China's hydrogen sealing sector, with domestic manufacturers moving beyond product development to participate in establishing industry-wide technical and safety requirements.

From the trial operation of China's first automated hydrogen sealing materials production line to nearly 10,000 gaskets in orders and participation in industry standard development, the project represents progress beyond manufacturing capacity alone.

It addresses a critical gap in China's hydrogen supply chain by strengthening domestic capabilities in a specialised but essential component of hydrogen equipment.

Compiled from ：CHC