[SMM Hydrogen Energy Policy Update] Wuhan, Hubei Province: "Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of Wuhan's Hydrogen Energy Industry (2025-2027)"

Recently, the Wuhan Municipal Development and Reform Commission issued a public announcement seeking comments on the "Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of Wuhan's Hydrogen Energy Industry (2025-2027)".

The document emphasizes the need to promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, improve the entire industry chain system for hydrogen energy covering "production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization", and establish a high-quality development cluster for the hydrogen energy industry with "one core (Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone), one metropolis (Qingshan District), and two wings (Donghu High-Tech Zone and Lingkonggang Development Zone)". It aims to transform Wuhan into a leading zone for the coordinated development of hydrogen energy industry innovation, R&D, equipment manufacturing, and demonstration applications by 2027, and to establish it as a significant hydrogen energy equipment center and a crucial hydrogen energy hub city in China.

The total output value of Wuhan's entire hydrogen energy industry chain is expected to reach 60 billion yuan, including 10 billion yuan from hydrogen production, 40 billion yuan from hydrogen energy application equipment and parts, and the cultivation and introduction of over six top-tier enterprises in the domestic hydrogen energy industry, with the number of enterprises above designated size in the hydrogen energy industry exceeding 50.

The plan includes the establishment of six provincial-level or above hydrogen energy industry innovation platforms, breakthroughs in five key core technologies in key areas of the hydrogen energy industry, reaching internationally advanced levels in technical indicators such as proton exchange membranes, membrane electrodes, electrolyzers, fuel cell stacks, liquid hydrogen storage, and hydrogen/ammonia combustion, the formulation of over six national demonstration industry standards and norms, and maintaining a leading position in the R&D and application of hydrogen fuel cells and vehicles in China.

The plan also involves optimizing the hydrogen supply structure to form a diversified supply system including hydrogen production from fossil fuels and renewable energy, with a total hydrogen production capacity reaching 400,000 mt/year. It aims to build hydrogen refueling rings along the Third and Fourth Ring Roads, with 20 hydrogen refueling stations constructed across the city. The plan promotes the application of hydrogen energy in multiple fields such as transportation, industry, and energy, with a target of over 2,500 fuel cell vehicles.

In line with the principle of moderate advancement, a construction plan for hydrogen refueling stations will be formulated, approval processes will be simplified, and priority will be given to supporting the infrastructure construction of hydrogen refueling stations along the Third and Fourth Ring Roads to form hydrogen refueling rings. Existing gas stations will be encouraged to retrofit and expand hydrogen refueling facilities, and "oil-gas-electricity-hydrogen" integrated energy stations will be constructed. Newly constructed (including existing) and retrofitted hydrogen refueling stations will receive a one-time construction subsidy of 2 million yuan according to regulations, and an additional subsidy of up to 2 million yuan, equivalent to 50% of the equipment procurement cost, will be provided for on-site hydrogen production equipment investment. The operating costs of hydrogen refueling stations will be reduced, with an annual operating subsidy of up to 3 million yuan provided according to the standard of 20 yuan/kg based on the annual hydrogen consumption volume for hydrogen refueling stations with a daily hydrogen refueling capacity of no less than 500 kg and a selling price of no higher than 25 yuan/kg.

The full text is as follows:

Public Announcement on Seeking Comments on the "Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of Wuhan's Hydrogen Energy Industry (2025-2027)"

In order to implement the provincial and municipal work arrangements and requirements for accelerating the development of the hydrogen energy industry, our commission has taken the lead in drafting the "Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of Wuhan's Hydrogen Energy Industry (2025-2027)" (draft for comments). In accordance with the relevant provisions of the Administrative Measures for Regulatory Documents of Wuhan City, we are now soliciting public opinions. The relevant matters are hereby announced as follows:

I. Timeframe for Soliciting Opinions

From July 4, 2025 to August 8, 2025.

II. Contact Information

Please send written opinions to the email address of the Industrial Division of the Wuhan Municipal Development and Reform Commission: whgyc027@163.com.

Contact Person: Xu Jiahua, Contact Number: 82796035

This announcement is hereby made.

Appendix: Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry in Wuhan City (2025-2027) (Draft for Soliciting Opinions)

Wuhan Municipal Development and Reform Commission

July 4, 2025

Appendix:

Three-Year Action Plan for the Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry in Wuhan City (2025-2027) (Draft for Soliciting Opinions)

In order to implement the goals of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality," build a clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient energy system, cultivate and expand the emerging hydrogen energy industry, and promote the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry in our city, this action plan is formulated.

I. Action Objectives

Promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, improve the entire industry chain system for hydrogen energy covering "production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization," establish a high-quality development cluster for the hydrogen energy industry with "one core (Wuhan Economic and Technological Development Zone), one metropolis (Qingshan District), and two wings (Donghu High-Tech Zone and Lingkonggang Development Zone)," strive to build our city into a leading area for the coordinated development of innovation, R&D, equipment manufacturing, and demonstration applications in the hydrogen energy industry by 2027, and form a nationally important hydrogen energy equipment center and a key hydrogen energy hub city.

Industrial Scale Doubling. The total output value of the entire hydrogen energy industry chain in the city will reach 60 billion yuan, including 10 billion yuan from hydrogen production, 40 billion yuan from hydrogen energy application equipment and parts, and the cultivation and introduction of more than six top-tier enterprises in the domestic hydrogen energy industry, with the number of enterprises above designated size in the hydrogen energy industry exceeding 50.

Innovation Capacity Leap. Establish six provincial-level or above hydrogen energy industry innovation platforms, break through five key core technologies in key areas of the hydrogen energy industry, achieve internationally advanced technical indicators in technologies such as proton exchange membranes, membrane electrodes, electrolyzers, fuel cell stacks, liquid hydrogen storage, and hydrogen/ammonia combustion, form more than six national demonstration industry standards and norms, and maintain a leading position in the R&D and application of hydrogen fuel cells and vehicles in China.

Widespread Application of Hydrogen Energy. Optimize the hydrogen supply structure, form a diversified supply system including hydrogen production from fossil energy and renewable energy, with a total hydrogen production capacity reaching 400,000 mt/year. Build hydrogen refueling rings along the Third and Fourth Ring Roads, and construct 20 hydrogen refueling stations across the city. We will promote the application of hydrogen energy in multiple fields such as transportation, industry, and energy, with the number of fuel cell vehicles exceeding 2,500 units.

II. Key Tasks

(1) Adhere to innovation-driven development and promote breakthroughs in core technologies

1. Accelerate breakthroughs in key core technologies. Organize and implement key technology research programs targeting core technologies such as proton exchange membranes, high-pressure hydrogen storage containers, hydrogen compressors, and fuel cell stacks, focusing on key links in the "production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization" of the entire industry chain. Provide maximum support of 800,000 yuan for projects included in the city's key R&D plans, in accordance with regulations. For enterprises leading national scientific and technological innovation 2030-major projects, national science and technology major projects, and national key R&D plan projects in the hydrogen energy field, provide support of up to 50% of the funds allocated by the state and a maximum of 5 million yuan for a single project, in accordance with regulations. (Leading unit: Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau; Responsible units: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, and people's governments of all districts (including development zones and the administrative committee of the Yangtze River New Area), the same hereinafter)

2. Support the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. Accelerate the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements and the application of innovative technologies by universities, research institutes, and hydrogen energy enterprises. Provide support of 10 million yuan for newly approved national key laboratories, national industrial innovation centers, technological innovation centers, and engineering research centers in the hydrogen energy field, in accordance with regulations. Implement policies for the innovative development and promotion of the first set (batch) of major technical equipment and the first batch of new materials. Promote the construction of pilot-scale platforms, formulate effective promotion measures and supporting policies, and support the construction and upgrading of pilot-scale platforms. (Leading unit: Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau; Responsible units: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, and people's governments of all districts)

3. Improve and enhance the standard system and detection capabilities. Support hydrogen energy enterprises, universities, and research institutes in participating in or leading the formulation of hydrogen energy industry standards, improve the hydrogen energy industry standard system, and focus on supporting the formulation of standards in areas such as renewable energy-based hydrogen production, safe and efficient hydrogen storage and transportation, and diversified applications of clean and low-carbon hydrogen energy. Establish and improve the inspection and testing system, and rely on qualified inspection and testing institutions to provide hydrogen energy equipment testing services for fuel cells, stacks, modules, and hydrogen cylinders. (Leading units: Municipal Market Supervision and Administration Bureau and Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Responsible units: Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, and people's governments of all districts)

(2) Adhere to coordinated development and enhance the resilience of supply and demand in the industrial chain and supply chain

4. Build a hydrogen supply guarantee system. Improve hydrogen production efficiency, reduce hydrogen production costs, and construct a number of demonstration bases for hydrogen supply. Expand the supply of "gray hydrogen," explore the "one district, multiple parks" policy in chemical industrial parks, and support enterprises in utilizing existing resources such as chlor-alkali, coke oven gas, and refining to purify industrial by-product hydrogen. Encourage the production of "green hydrogen," implement the regulation that green hydrogen production does not require a hazardous chemical safety production license, and encourage enterprises to adopt new technologies for green hydrogen production, such as off-grid hydrogen production, biomass hydrogen production, and food waste hydrogen production. Support eligible districts in piloting integrated green hydrogen production and refueling projects outside chemical industrial parks. Leverage the coordinated development mechanism of metropolitan areas to coordinate with neighboring cities like Huangshi, Qianjiang, and Xiaogan to establish a regional hydrogen supply system. (Lead unit: Municipal NDRC; Responsible units: Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, Municipal Bureau of Finance, Municipal Bureau of Science and Technology Innovation, Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Development, Municipal Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Committee, Municipal Bureau of Transportation, Municipal Bureau of Emergency Management, and district governments)

5. Accelerate the development of hydrogen energy equipment and fuel cell vehicles. Speed up the construction of zero-carbon industrial parks for smart manufacturing of hydrogen energy equipment and hydrogen energy technology industrial parks, promote the development of hydrogen storage and transportation supporting equipment, accelerate the industrialisation of liquid hydrogen tank container transportation technology, support the application of liquid organic solvent hydrogen storage equipment, and increase the production of key products such as hydrogen electrolyzers and hydrogen compressors. Optimize incentive policies for hydrogen equipment producers. Reward fuel cell vehicle R&D and mass production enterprises as well as promotion and application enterprises, in accordance with the national fuel cell vehicle demonstration application city cluster reward measures. (Lead department: Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology; Responsible units: Municipal NDRC, Municipal Bureau of Finance, and district governments)

6. Promote hydrogen refueling infrastructure construction. Based on the principle of moderate advancement, formulate a construction plan for hydrogen refueling stations, streamline approval processes, and prioritize supporting infrastructure construction for hydrogen refueling stations along the Third Ring Road and Fourth Ring Road to form a hydrogen refueling loop. Encourage existing gas stations to retrofit or expand hydrogen refueling facilities, establishing integrated energy stations combining oil, gas, electricity, and hydrogen. Provide a one-time construction subsidy of 2 million yuan for newly built (including existing) and retrofitted hydrogen refueling stations, and an additional equipment purchase subsidy of 50% of the cost, up to 2 million yuan, for hydrogen production equipment installed at the stations. Reduce operational costs for hydrogen refueling stations by providing an annual operational subsidy of up to 3 million yuan, based on a standard of 20 yuan/kg, for stations with a daily refueling capacity of at least 500 kg and a selling price no higher than 25 yuan/kg, according to their annual hydrogen consumption. (Lead department: Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Committee; Responsible units: Municipal NDRC, Municipal Bureau of Natural Resources and Urban-Rural Development, Municipal Bureau of Finance, Municipal Bureau of Emergency Management, and district governments)

7. Enhance enterprise recruitment and project development. Focus on advantageous fields such as fuel cells and hydrogen production equipment to strengthen a group of "gold seed" and "silver seed" enterprises, promoting their listing. Target potential areas like renewable energy hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, and hydrogen transportation to cultivate a group of specialized and innovative "little giant" enterprises, manufacturing single champions, unicorns, and technology-leading enterprises. Reward hydrogen energy enterprises that achieve national-level "little giant" or single champion status for the first time, in accordance with regulations. Targeting shortcomings in areas such as cryogenic high-pressure hydrogen storage, solid-state hydrogen storage, refueling equipment, integrated hydrogen production and refueling equipment, and mobile hydrogen refueling, we will attract a number of top-tier enterprises and key industrial projects in the domestic hydrogen energy industry. We will actively strive to include the city's ongoing hydrogen energy industry projects into national and provincial key R&D plans, as well as special programs for high-quality development of the manufacturing industry. (Leading department: Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Responsible departments: Municipal Finance Office, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Emergency Management Bureau, Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Investment Promotion Bureau, Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, and the People's Governments of all districts)

(III) Persist in application expansion and build diversified demonstration scenarios

8. Promote substitution applications in the industrial sector. Leverage the advantages of industrial by-product hydrogen and promote its local consumption. Support steel enterprises in conducting R&D and application of hydrogen metallurgy technology using hydrogen as a reducing agent, to promote deep decarbonization and clean energy substitution in the steel industry. Guide petrochemical enterprises to expand sources of hydrogen-rich raw materials, promote the lightening of petrochemical raw materials, and expand the application scale of hydrogen energy substitution for fossil energy in the chemical sector. (Leading department: Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau; Responsible units: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Emergency Management Bureau, Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau, and the People's Government of Qingshan District)

9. Expand demonstration applications in the transportation sector. Launch demonstration scenarios for hydrogen energy applications in the transportation sector, with a focus on encouraging the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, such as heavy-duty commercial vehicles and cold chain logistics vehicles, in national key cold chain logistics bases. Actively explore the use of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in public transportation, commuting, urban distribution, landscaping, slag transportation, and other fields, and provide rewards for typical application demonstration scenarios. Implement the policy of full refund and subsidy for highway tolls within the province. (Leading unit: Municipal Transportation Bureau; Responsible units: Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Gardens and Forestry Bureau, Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Commission, Municipal Public Security Traffic Management Bureau, Wuhan Public Transport Group, and the People's Governments of all districts)

10. Explore promotion and application in the energy sector. Implement the "Implementation Plan for Accelerating the Construction of a New Energy System in Wuhan City" and promote the demonstration application of hydrogen energy in scenarios such as renewable energy consumption and power grid peak shaving. Adapt measures to local conditions and encourage the application of distributed hydrogen energy generation, hydrogen energy backup power supplies, photovoltaic-hydrogen storage microgrid energy supply, virtual power plants, emergency power supplies, and disaster preparedness power supplies in areas such as qualified tourist attractions, industrial parks, and medical institutions. (Leading department: Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Responsible units: Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, Municipal Health Commission, Wuhan Power Supply Company, and the People's Governments of all districts)

11. Build diversified application clusters. Actively strive to be included in the national fuel cell vehicle demonstration application city clusters and national hydrogen energy regional pilot programs in the energy sector. Support the demonstration of hydrogen-powered drone applications in emergency rescue, park airspace inspections, and low-altitude flight performances. Encourage the demonstration of hydrogen fuel cell two-wheeled vehicles and tourist sightseeing vehicles in universities, new urban districts, and tourist attractions. Encourage the demonstration of fuel cell vessels in major rivers and lakes such as the Yangtze River, Han River, East Lake, and Tangxun Lake. Explore the demonstration of natural gas blended with hydrogen combustion. Support various districts in promoting diverse hydrogen energy application scenarios according to local conditions, select districts with a solid foundation and suitable conditions to apply for municipal-level demonstration zones, and provide rewards to approved municipal-level demonstration zones. (Leading department: Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Responsible units: Municipal Finance Bureau, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, Municipal Urban Management and Law Enforcement Commission, Municipal Transportation Bureau, Municipal Education Bureau, Municipal Culture and Tourism Bureau, Municipal Water Affairs Bureau, and the People's Governments of all districts)

(IV) Adhere to policy guarantees and improve the support system for the capital and talent chain

12. Improve the financial policy system. Coordinate the investment and operation of industrial funds, connect with provincial hydrogen energy industry investment funds, leverage the guiding role of fiscal funds and the catalytic effect of industrial funds, promote the formation of a fund cluster that meets the capital needs throughout the entire process of hydrogen energy scientific and technological innovation, incubation, acceleration, and listing cultivation, and guide state-owned assets and social capital to participate in hydrogen energy industry-related projects across the city through industrial funds. Provide data credit enhancement and credit evaluation services for eligible hydrogen energy enterprises. Encourage the increase in the application ratio of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles through forms such as financial leasing and car leasing. (Leading department: Municipal Finance Bureau; Responsible departments: Municipal Party Committee Financial Office, Municipal Development and Reform Commission, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the People's Government, and the People's Governments of all districts)

13. Strengthen talent policy support. Strengthen intellectual support for the hydrogen energy industry and support high-level talents in the hydrogen energy field to apply for the "Wuhan Talent" program. Encourage the Wuhan Talent Innovation Investment Fund to selectively invest in hydrogen energy industry talent innovation and entrepreneurship projects, stimulating the momentum of talent innovation and entrepreneurship. Deepen the integration of industry and education, support universities and research institutions in accelerating the cultivation of talent teams for the hydrogen energy industry. Support the cultivation of a group of compound leading talents relying on major hydrogen energy projects. Support hydrogen energy enterprises and research institutes in cultivating professional innovation and R&D talents for hydrogen energy technology and equipment. (Leading department: Municipal Development and Reform Commission; Responsible departments: Municipal Talent Work Bureau, Municipal Economic and Information Technology Bureau, Municipal Science and Technology Innovation Bureau, Municipal Education Bureau, and the People's Governments of all districts)

III. Safeguard Measures

Establish and improve the "chain leader + chain master + chain innovation" working mechanism for the hydrogen energy industry, form a hydrogen energy industry alliance, promote strong-strong enterprise alliances, strengthen upstream and downstream cooperation for mutual benefits, and promote the coordinated development of the hydrogen energy industry. Regularly convene departmental joint meetings to study and resolve industry development issues and promote the high-quality development of the hydrogen energy industry. All districts and departments should, based on their functions and responsibilities, refer to the annual list of key tasks, research and formulate policies for the management of fiscal funds, refine work measures, and steadily promote the implementation of various tasks. Districts with the necessary conditions are encouraged to follow the municipal-level reward and subsidy policies, providing rewards and subsidies at a ratio of 1:1. Each district should fulfill its responsibility for supervising safety risks within its jurisdiction and promote the hierarchical control of safety risks in hydrogen-related enterprises. Strengthen publicity and guidance to create a favorable atmosphere for the development of the hydrogen energy industry.

If the same enterprise or project qualifies for multiple award clauses under this policy or other support policies of the city, it shall be implemented in accordance with the principle of taking the highest award without duplication; for those involving financial rewards and subsidies, the responsible units shall formulate specific implementation rules or measures.

This policy measure shall come into force from the date of its issuance and shall remain valid for three years.

Source: Wuhan Development and Reform Commission