[SMM Analysis] Testing Role in the Hydrogen Energy Sector

I. The Importance of Testing in the Hydrogen Energy Sector

As an essential component of future clean energy, hydrogen energy is receiving widespread global attention. However, the complexity and high safety requirements of hydrogen energy systems make testing a critical step to ensure their stable operation. Below are the main reasons why testing is necessary in the hydrogen energy sector:

• Safety Considerations: Hydrogen energy has a high energy density, and any leakage or mishandling could lead to fires or explosions. Therefore, testing hydrogen storage, transportation, and application equipment is crucial to ensure compliance with stringent safety standards.
• Performance Verification: The performance of fuel cells directly affects the driving range, energy efficiency, and emission levels of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Testing can verify key indicators such as power output, energy efficiency, and durability of fuel cell systems, ensuring they meet practical application requirements.
• Technological Iteration: Hydrogen energy technology is evolving rapidly, with new materials and processes emerging continuously. Testing helps evaluate the feasibility and advantages of new technologies, driving iterative upgrades in hydrogen energy technology.
• Regulatory Compliance: Governments worldwide are gradually introducing regulations and standards related to hydrogen energy, requiring hydrogen systems to meet specific technical and safety requirements. Testing is a vital means to ensure compliance with these regulations.

According to statistics, as of 2024, the global hydrogen energy market size has reached several billion US dollars, and it is expected to maintain rapid growth in the coming years. As the hydrogen energy industry continues to expand, the demand for testing services will also grow.

II. Competitive Landscape of the Testing Market

In the hydrogen energy sector, testing providers play a crucial role. Below are some well-known testing providers and their service areas:

• Lingniu Hydrogen Energy: Specializing in the safety monitoring of hydrogen storage and transportation equipment, it has collaborated with partners such as the Jiaxing Port Area Government to establish a safety monitoring platform for hydrogen storage and transportation equipment, providing online monitoring, data analysis, risk alerts, and safety evaluation services for the entire hydrogen energy industry chain.
• Sheng Hydrogen Production: Offers hydrogen energy detection platform services capable of fully automated testing of complete hydrogen production equipment, monitoring key parameters, analyzing core indicators, and ensuring the stability and efficiency of hydrogen production systems.
• Kewell: A leader in the fuel cell testing field, it has launched EIS large power diagnostic equipment and a 400kW stack testing bench, meeting the testing needs of large power fuel cells and high-efficiency electrolyzers.
• Refire Technology: As a fuel cell system supplier, it also provides fuel cell testing services to ensure the performance and reliability of its products.
• China Automotive Technology and Research Center Xiangyang Daan Motor Vehicle Inspection Center: Equipped with comprehensive testing capabilities for new energy (including hydrogen fuel) vehicles, it can conduct all regulatory project tests, including stack, fuel cell system, and fuel cell vehicle tests.

These testing providers serve various segments of the hydrogen energy industry chain, from raw material preparation and storage/transportation to application equipment, providing strong support for the safety and reliability of hydrogen energy systems.

III. Testing Drives the Future Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry

Testing providers in the hydrogen energy sector play multiple roles in driving industry development:

• Ensuring Safety: Through rigorous testing, providers can identify safety risks in hydrogen energy systems in a timely manner, preventing accidents. For example, testing hydrogen storage equipment ensures its sealing and pressure resistance, preventing hydrogen leakage.
• Enhancing Performance: Testing providers verify the performance of hydrogen energy systems, helping manufacturers optimize designs and processes to improve system energy efficiency and durability. For instance, testing fuel cells can evaluate their power output, energy efficiency, and cold-start capability.
• Driving Technological Innovation: Testing providers actively participate in the R&D and innovation of hydrogen energy technologies, evaluating the feasibility and advantages of new technologies through testing, and driving iterative upgrades in hydrogen energy technology. For example, testing new-type catalysts and membrane electrodes can enhance fuel cell performance.
• Establishing Standards and Norms: Testing providers collaborate with research institutions and enterprises to jointly establish standards and norms related to hydrogen energy, providing strong support for the standardized and regulated development of the hydrogen energy industry. For example, they participate in formulating testing standards and safety norms for fuel cell systems.

According to statistics, as of 2024, more than 10 hydrogen energy testing centers have been constructed domestically, including Aerospace 101 Institute, Beijing Low Carbon Institute, and Great Wall Hydrogen Energy Testing Center. These testing centers provide comprehensive testing services for the hydrogen energy industry, promoting the rapid development and application of hydrogen energy technologies.

In summary, testing providers in the hydrogen energy sector play a vital role in ensuring safety, enhancing performance, driving technological innovation, and establishing standards and norms. As the hydrogen energy industry continues to develop, the role of testing providers will become increasingly important, serving as a key force in promoting the healthy and sustainable development of the hydrogen energy industry.

Written by: SMM Hydrogen Energy Analyst Xin Shi - 13515219405 (WeChat same)