Interpretation of the Hydrogen Subsidy Management Measures (Trial) of Cangzhou City

On February 18, 2025, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of Cangzhou officially released the "Cangzhou Hydrogen Subsidy Management Measures (Trial)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Measures"), aiming to promote the development of the hydrogen energy industry, facilitate the construction of hydrogen refueling stations, and ensure the healthy development of the hydrogen market. This policy not only provides direct subsidy support for hydrogen refueling stations but also encourages the reduction of hydrogen selling prices through a price incentive mechanism, offering strong support for the popularization and commercialization of hydrogen energy. This article provides a detailed interpretation of this policy.

I. Policy Background and Objectives

With the acceleration of global energy transition and the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry, Cangzhou, as one of the important energy bases in northern China, has actively responded to the national call to vigorously develop the hydrogen energy industry. However, the development of the hydrogen energy industry faces challenges such as high costs and low market acceptance, which hinder its large-scale and commercial application. To address these challenges, the Cangzhou government introduced the "Measures" to reduce the operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations through financial subsidies, rationalize hydrogen market prices, and promote the rapid development of the hydrogen energy industry.

II. Subsidy Targets and Conditions

The "Measures" specify that the subsidy targets are fixed or skid-mounted hydrogen refueling stations providing hydrogen refueling services within the administrative region of Cangzhou, with a hydrogen market selling price not exceeding 25 yuan per kilogram. This provision ensures the precise allocation of subsidies while avoiding excessive market price fluctuations. Additionally, the hydrogen selling price and refueling volume are verified based on invoices, ensuring fairness and transparency in subsidy distribution.

III. Subsidy Standards and Methods

According to the "Measures," for eligible hydrogen refueling stations with a hydrogen selling price not exceeding 25 yuan per kilogram, a subsidy of 3 yuan per kilogram will be provided. Furthermore, for every 1 yuan per kilogram reduction in the hydrogen selling price, an additional subsidy of 0.5 yuan per kilogram will be granted. This subsidy policy not only directly reduces the operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations but also encourages them to lower hydrogen selling prices through a price incentive mechanism, enhancing market competitiveness. Subsidies are settled quarterly based on invoice dates, ensuring timely and effective subsidy distribution.

IV. Subsidy Duration and Cap

The "Measures" stipulate that the subsidy duration is from 2025 to 2027, with a total subsidy cap of 50 million yuan. Among this, the subsidy cap for 2025 is 20 million yuan, for 2026 is 20 million yuan, and for 2027 is 10 million yuan. This provision ensures the continuity and stability of the subsidy policy while avoiding excessive investment and waste of subsidy funds.

V. Policy Significance and Impact

The introduction of the "Measures" holds significant importance for promoting the development of the hydrogen energy industry in Cangzhou. On one hand, financial subsidies reduce the operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations, enhancing their profitability and attracting more social capital to invest in the hydrogen energy industry. On the other hand, the price incentive mechanism encourages hydrogen refueling stations to lower hydrogen selling prices, improving market acceptance and competitiveness, thereby facilitating the large-scale and commercial application of hydrogen energy. Additionally, the implementation of this policy contributes to the collaborative development of the hydrogen energy industry chain and promotes the deep integration of the hydrogen energy industry with NEVs and the energy internet.

VI. Conclusion

In summary, the introduction of the "Cangzhou Hydrogen Subsidy Management Measures (Trial)" is a strong initiative by the Cangzhou government to actively respond to the national call and promote the development of the hydrogen energy industry. By combining financial subsidies with a price incentive mechanism, this policy reduces the operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations, enhances market competitiveness, and provides strong support for the popularization and commercialization of hydrogen energy. In the future, with the in-depth implementation of the policy and the continuous development of the hydrogen energy industry, Cangzhou is expected to become one of the key hydrogen energy industry bases in China, making a positive contribution to energy transition and sustainable development.