Opening China’s Green Hydrogen New Era

Hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, will be a key element in China’s energy transition for achieving the goal of carbon neutrality and building a more sustainable economy. The strategic role of green hydrogen has been emphasized in China’s recent “Hydrogen Industry Medium- and Long-Term Development Plan (2021–2035)” as a long-term development direction.

China has become the largest hydrogen producer and consumer in the world, with more than 33 million tons of annual demand. Under the driving force of China’s carbon-neutrality goal, the chemicals, steel, and heavy transportation sectors will require large volumes of green hydrogen to carry out the zero-carbon transition. By 2060, the annual hydrogen demand could increase to 100 million to 130 million tons, including 80 million to 100 million tons of green hydrogen.

In alignment with both the green hydrogen target and trends in technology and cost advancement, it is necessary to first realize a 100 GW green hydrogen target by 2030. Meeting this target would both scale up production and utilization of green hydrogen and establish a mature supply chain to accelerate long-term development.

The Opening China’s Green Hydrogen New Era report provides a deep dive on China’s roadmap to reach 100 GW green hydrogen development by 2030, with a focus on utilization in the chemicals, steel, and heavy-duty transportation sectors. It also considers 2030 renewable hydrogen capacity by seven regions, considering sectoral demand, local resources, and potential industrial capacity upgrades. According to the analysis, the Northwest China region is expected to become the largest green hydrogen producer (24 GW) due to its abundant renewable energy resources and decarbonization demands from traditionally coal-based industry.

To support the 100 GW by 2030 target, the report also lands on several actionable recommendations from both policy and market perspectives that could accelerate green hydrogen adoption and long-term utilization across sectors.