China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has successfully completed the construction of the Sinopec Xinjiang Kuqa Green Hydrogen Pilot Project.
This project stands as China’s largest photovoltaic green hydrogen production initiative, with the capability of producing an annual green hydrogen output of 20,000 tons at full capacity.
Sinopec’s Xinjiang Kuqa Project represents a pioneering effort, being the country’s first large-scale application of photovoltaic power generation for direct green hydrogen production. Located in Xinjiang, known for its abundant solar resources, the project encompasses an electrolyzed water hydrogen plant with a 20,000-ton annual capacity, a hydrogen storage tank capable of holding 210,000 standard cubic meters, and hydrogen transmission pipelines with a capacity of 28,000 standard cubic meters per hour.
The green hydrogen produced by the project will be directed towards Sinopec Tahe Petrochemical, where it will replace existing natural gas and fossil energy in hydrogen production processes. This signifies a substantial leap towards low-carbon development in modern oil processing, aligning with China’s broader goals of achieving carbon neutrality.
The Xinjiang Kuqa Project is not merely an industrial feat but also an environmental boon. It is estimated to curtail carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 485,000 tons annually, underscoring the potential of green hydrogen in mitigating the environmental impact of traditional industrial processes.
Sinopec has successfully navigated several challenges in implementing the Xinjiang Kuqa Project. These include the development of flexible hydrogen production mechanisms to adapt to new energy power fluctuations and the localization of major equipment and core materials. This speaks to the corporation’s commitment to overcoming technological bottlenecks in the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions.
Sinopec’s ambitions extend far beyond the Xinjiang Kuqa Project. The company is rapidly advancing in the hydrogen sector, boasting more than 100 hydrogen refueling stations and securing its position as the world’s largest operator of such stations. With projects like the Ordos initiative already underway and plans for the Ulanqab project in the pipeline, Sinopec is resolutely committed to supporting green, low-carbon development and contributing to China’s dual-carbon goals.
