【SMM Weekly Review of Hydrogen Energy Industry】202500508

I. Policy Review

1. Implementation of the Third Batch of Subsidy Policies for China's Fuel Cell Vehicle Demonstration City Clusters

On May 3, the Ministry of Finance and four other ministries and commissions jointly issued the "Notice on the Application for the Third Batch of City Clusters for the Demonstration and Application of Fuel Cell Vehicles," explicitly including hydrogen-powered heavy trucks, ships, and aviation within the scope of subsidies. For the first time, the policy of "replacing subsidies with rewards" was proposed to favor the green hydrogen production sector. The subsidy standards were increased by 20% compared to the previous two batches, with individual city clusters eligible for up to 5 billion yuan in support.

2. EU Adopts Amendments to the Hydrogen Act

On May 5, the EU Council approved amendments to the Hydrogen Act, requiring imported hydrogen to meet a carbon intensity standard of ≤3 kg CO₂/kg H₂, and establishing a 2 billion euro special fund to support domestic electrolyzer manufacturing. The Act also simplifies the approval process for green hydrogen projects, allowing transnational hydrogen pipeline projects to enjoy a "fast-track" process.

3. US Department of Energy Launches the "Green Hydrogen Accelerator Initiative"

 On May 6, the US Department of Energy announced a total of 980 million US dollars in funding for 15 green hydrogen projects, with a focus on supporting R&D in wind and solar power-to-hydrogen production, storage, and transportation technologies in the Midwest region. Among them, Utah's "Solar-Green Hydrogen-Ammonia" integrated project received 120 million US dollars, aiming to achieve a green hydrogen cost of less than 2 US dollars/kg.

4. Japan Releases the "Ammonia Energy Strategy 2025"

On May 8, Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry released a document, clearly prioritizing ammonia as a hydrogen carrier for development. It plans to establish 10 large-scale ammonia receiving terminals by 2030 and promote the inclusion of ammonia-fueled ships in the carbon emissions accounting system of the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

II. Corporate Developments

1. Toyota Unveils the World's First Liquid Hydrogen System for Commercial Vehicles

On May 2, Toyota announced that its liquid hydrogen fuel cell truck had achieved a driving range of 1,000 kilometers, a 40% improvement over gaseous hydrogen storage. It plans to commence commercial testing in Japan and Australia in 2026.

2. Plug Power Expands US Green Hydrogen Plant

On May 4 (US time), Plug Power announced an investment of 350 million US dollars to expand a 100MW electrolyzer production line in Texas, targeting an annual green hydrogen production capacity of 50,000 mt by 2026 to meet the demand for zero-carbon transportation hubs in California, New York State, and other regions.

3. Guohong Hydrogen Energy and Shenergy Group Sign Agreement for Wind and Solar Power-to-Hydrogen Integrated Project

On May 6, Guohong Hydrogen Energy, in collaboration with Shenergy Group, launched a 500MW wind and solar power-coupled hydrogen production project in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, accompanied by the construction of a transportation network of 200 hydrogen-powered heavy trucks, with a total investment of approximately 6.5 billion yuan.

4. Cummins and Siemens Sign Cooperation Agreement on Electrolyzer Technology

On May 7, the two companies announced a joint development of a 100MW-class alkaline electrolyzer, aiming to improve efficiency to over 75% and explore modular designs to reduce the cost of large-scale deployment.

III. Technological Advancements

1. ITM Power Breaks Through PEM Electrolyzer Efficiency Bottleneck

On May 3, UK-based ITM Power announced that its latest generation PEM electrolyzer achieved a current density of 3.5A/cm², with system efficiency exceeding 85%, while extending equipment lifespan to 100,000 hours and reducing costs by 18%.

2. Chinese Team Develops New Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) Material

On May 5, the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, unveiled a new hydrogen storage carrier material that achieves a hydrogen storage density of 82g/L at room temperature and pressure, with dehydrogenation temperature reduced by 40% compared to traditional materials, and has entered the pilot stage.

3. Toyota Fuel Cell Lifespan Exceeds 20,000 Hours

Test data from Toyota Central R&D Labs shows that its hydrogen fuel cell, after accumulating 20,000 hours of operation under simulated commercial vehicle conditions, has a power decay rate of less than 3%, reaching international leading levels.

4. Green Hydrogen Production Cost Drops to $2.1/kg

According to BNEF data, leveraging $4/W wind and solar power prices in the Middle East and cost reductions in electrolyzers, green hydrogen production costs have dropped to $2.1/kg, a 30% decrease from 2024.

IV. Industrial Collaboration

1. China Energy Group and CATL Collaborate on "Hydrogen-Storage-Heat" Integration

On May 2, the two parties signed an agreement to jointly build a wind-solar-hydrogen-storage integrated demonstration project, incorporating solid-state hydrogen storage, compressed air energy storage, and waste heat power generation technologies, aiming to achieve a multi-energy complementary supply system.

2. Sinopec and Saudi Aramco Joint Venture for Refining and Hydrogen Production Project Launched

On May 7, Sinopec and Saudi Aramco announced a joint venture to build a green hydrogen project supporting the Saudi Yanbu refinery, utilizing local wind and solar resources to produce 200,000 mt of green hydrogen annually, with by-product green ammonia used as chemical raw material.

3. International Hydrogen Energy Council Releases "Global Green Hydrogen Trade Roadmap"

The report predicts that global green hydrogen trade will reach 120 million mt by 2030, with 35% achieved through liquid hydrogen shipping, and calls for the establishment of a unified quality certification system and cross-border hydrogen pipeline standards.

4. Germany and Norway Establish Offshore Wind-to-Hydrogen Alliance

On May 8, the two countries signed an agreement to build a 6GW offshore hydrogen production base utilizing North Sea wind resources and to transport green hydrogen to the European continent via subsea pipelines, with a total investment of approximately €12 billion.