SMM Survey: Weekly Electrolyzer Industry Review, 20250411-20250417

Capacity-wise, the domestic alkaline electrolyzer market maintained 35.77 GW this week, with no new capacity added. In terms of deliveries, as of April 10, 2025, Asensio Hydrogen delivered one 1,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzer to Australia last week, while Xibei Hydrogen delivered one 1,000 Nm³/h unit to a green hydrogen project in Jilin. In the PEM sector, HydroVolta delivered one 50 Nm³/h unit to Europe last week. As of March 20, 2025, domestic companies (including overseas deliveries) have delivered a total of 10 MW of alkaline electrolyzers (data sourced from public information).

Regarding electrolyzer orders, as of this week,the third batch of auxiliary equipment (hydrogen production system) procurement project for the Shaanxi Coal Xinyang 2x1,000 MW ultra-supercritical unit project announced the bid winner, which is Beijing Power Equipment Group. The winning product is one 1,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzer. Additionally, LONGi Hydrogen recently signed a supply agreement with Saudi Arabia's NEOM for the world's largest single green hydrogen project, confirming at least one 2,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzer order. As of April 10, 2025, a total of at least 47 orders for 1,000 Nm³/h units and one 2,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzer have been confirmed, including 10 units for Xin Gong Green Hydrogen, 16 units for Sungrow Hydrogen, 12 units for CRRC Zhuzhou, 8 units for Sany Hydrogen, and 1 unit for Beijing Power Equipment Group.

1. Sinopec's Xinjiang Kuqa Phase II Electrolyzer Project Goes into Operation 
   On April 11, Sinopec announced the full operation of the Xinjiang Kuqa Phase II 200 MW alkaline electrolyzer project, supporting 30 hydrogen refueling stations with an annual green hydrogen production of 20,000 mt. The project adopts domestically developed "split-type electrode plate" technology, increasing the electrolyzer current density to 0.6 A/cm² and reducing unit energy consumption to 4.3 kWh/Nm³, a 12% decrease compared to the first-generation technology.  
   Strategic Cooperation: Sinopec also signed an agreement with CATL to explore the integrated "wind-solar-hydrogen-storage" model coupling electrolyzers with energy storage systems.  

2. Shanghai Electric Launches World's First 100 MW SOEC Electrolyzer
   On April 13, Shanghai Electric Group launched its self-developed 100 MW solid oxide electrolyzer (SOEC) in Shanghai, achieving an electrolysis efficiency of 82% (LHV) and supporting high-temperature steam input, suitable for flexible transformation scenarios in thermal power. The equipment is planned for mass production in 2026, targeting high-carbon emission enterprises in the steel and chemical industries.  
   Technical Highlights: The "ceramic-metal composite electrode plate" technology addresses material creep issues at high temperatures, extending the lifespan to over 100,000 hours.  

3. Cockerill Jingli Signs Middle East Green Hydrogen Project
   On April 15, Suzhou Cockerill Jingli signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build a 50 MW electrolyzer system for the Dubai Hassyan Clean Coal Power Project, adopting direct seawater electrolysis technology, with operation planned for 2027.  
   International Breakthrough: This marks the first entry of a Chinese electrolyzer enterprise into the high-end Middle Eastern market, breaking the monopoly of European and American companies. 

4. High-Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyzer Nears Mass Production
   On April 12, Wuhan LiTech Hydrogen announced the localization of its self-developed core material for HT-PEM electrolyzers—the perfluorosulfonic acid proton membrane—reducing thickness to 15 microns (imported products are 25 microns), increasing proton conductivity by 30%, and reducing costs by 40%. The technology is suitable for distributed power generation scenarios, with pilot testing planned to be completed by the end of 2025.  

5. Alkaline Electrolyzer Lifespan Exceeds 80,000 Hours 
   On April 14, Shandong Saikesaisi announced that its developed alkaline electrolyzer operated continuously for over 80,000 hours (approximately 9 years) under simulated conditions, with a decay rate of ≤0.5%/1,000 hours, breaking the industry average record of 50,000 hours. The technology adopts "titanium-based coated electrode plates" and "bipolar plate flow field optimization" design, suitable for offshore wind power hydrogen production scenarios.  

6. Anion Exchange Membrane (AEM) Electrolyzer Achieves Localization
   On April 17, Jiangsu Yuan Hydrogen New Energy released its first self-developed AEM electrolyzer, achieving a power density of 1.2 A/cm² and expanding the operating temperature range to -10℃~90℃, suitable for fluctuating wind and solar power supplies. The product cost is 60% lower than PEM electrolyzers and has obtained EU CE certification.  

7. Electrolyzer Enterprises and Renewable Energy Developers Jointly Build Factory  
   On April 12, Mingyang Smart Energy and Guofu Hydrogen signed an agreement to jointly build a 500 MW electrolyzer production site in Jiuquan, Gansu, utilizing Mingyang's wind power resources to directly supply green electricity, aiming to achieve a "hydrogen production-power generation-hydrogen storage" closed loop.  
   Model Innovation: Both parties agreed to a 15% lower electrolyzer equipment purchase price compared to the market price to secure long-term orders.  

8. Material Breakthrough Reduces Electrolyzer Costs
  On April 15, Baoti Group announced the mass production of a new titanium-iridium composite electrode plate, increasing corrosion resistance by 50% and reducing costs by 30% compared to imported plates. The material has been supplied to electrolyzer enterprises such as CSSC 718 Research Institute and Cockerill Jingli.  

9. Research Institutes and Enterprises Jointly Build Testing Platform
   On April 16, the China Electrical Equipment Industry Association, in collaboration with the China Hydrogen Alliance, Shanghai Electric, and other enterprises, initiated the construction of the "Electrolyzer Life Cycle Performance Testing Platform," planning to complete reliability certification for electrolyzers from 10 enterprises within the year.