Sinopec, the energy giant, recently unveiled a groundbreaking achievement in China’s quest for clean energy. The Xinjiang Kuqa green hydrogen demonstration project, the country’s largest photovoltaic power generation direct green hydrogen production initiative, has been successfully completed and is now operational.
This remarkable feat harnesses the abundant solar energy resources of Xinjiang to directly produce green hydrogen through photovoltaic power generation. With an electrolysis water hydrogen production capacity of 2 million tons per year, this green hydrogen is earmarked for use at the nearby Sinopec Tahe Refining and Chemical Company, replacing natural gas in oil refining and ushering in a new era of coupling and low-carbon development.
To understand the significance of this project, it’s crucial to grasp the concept of green hydrogen. In the hydrogen production process, hydrogen is categorized based on carbon emission intensity into gray, blue, and green. Gray hydrogen, derived from fossil fuels, has the lowest production cost but the highest carbon emissions. Blue hydrogen, an upgraded version of gray hydrogen, employs carbon capture and storage technology to reduce emissions but at a higher cost. In contrast, green hydrogen, which utilizes renewable energy like solar and wind to generate electricity, and then electrolysis to produce hydrogen, comes at the highest cost but is virtually emissions-free.
So, why does China need to develop the green hydrogen industry? The answer lies in hydrogen’s potential as a clean energy source. When hydrogen is burned, its only byproduct is water, making it a truly clean energy source with no harmful emissions. Moreover, hydrogen is a versatile industrial raw material that can replace carbon-intensive sources in various sectors. It can be used in steelmaking, chemical production, refining, and coal-to-oil and gas processes, significantly reducing carbon emissions in these industries.
In recent years, the demand for hydrogen has been on the rise, with projections indicating a substantial increase after 2030. As nations strive for carbon neutrality, the demand for green hydrogen is expected to surge. The China Hydrogen Energy Alliance forecasts that by 2060, annual hydrogen demand in China will reach around 1 million tons, with green hydrogen accounting for about 3 million tons.
China possesses significant untapped potential for green hydrogen production. The country already leads the world in hydrogen production, with a focus on gray and blue hydrogen. However, China boasts the world’s largest installed renewable energy capacity, surpassing coal power. With such robust renewable energy infrastructure, China has immense potential for green hydrogen production as renewable energy costs continue to decline.
The global shift towards green and low-carbon technologies aligns perfectly with the promise of green hydrogen. In sectors like metallurgy, chemicals, heavy-duty transportation, and heat supply, where direct green power solutions face challenges, green hydrogen can play a transformative role. Experts predict that the hydrogen industry could become a 10-trillion-yuan industrial cluster.
Despite these prospects, China’s hydrogen industry faces challenges in creating an efficient and comprehensive industrial chain for hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and application. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial as green hydrogen holds the key to a stable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly hydrogen source, propelling China towards the ambitious “dual carbon” goal.
China’s Xinjiang project not only marks a milestone in green hydrogen production but also signals the country’s determination to lead in the global shift towards clean energy. As green hydrogen moves from incubation to commercialization, China stands at the forefront of a trillion-dollar industry with the potential to reshape its energy landscape and contribute significantly to a sustainable future.
