[SMM Hydrogen Energy Industry Weekly Review] 20250911

I. Policy Review: Hydrogen Policy Updates

(i) Domestic Policies

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), National Energy Administration: Released the "Implementation Opinions on Promoting High-Quality Development of 'Artificial Intelligence + Energy'". The document points out that in the new business forms of artificial intelligence + energy, focusing on the needs of energy supply security and green low-carbon transition, it promotes the application of AI technology in flexible adjustment resources such as virtual power plants (including load aggregators), distributed ESS, and EV-grid interaction, enhancing the group control optimization and dynamic response capabilities on the load side; strengthens the application of AI technology in the coordinated optimal dispatching of new-type energy storage and power systems, as well as in the full life cycle safety, promoting intelligent optimization of renewable energy hydrogen production processes. It enhances the energy-saving and carbon emission management during the energy production process through AI technology, improving the comprehensive energy efficiency and carbon reduction levels of multi-energy complementary integrated energy systems for electricity, heating, cooling, and gas supply. It also promotes the application of AI in zero-carbon parks, smart microgrids, and computing-power synergy, enhancing the intelligent operation level of generation-grid-load-storage integration, and facilitating local consumption of new energy.

General Office of the National Energy Administration: Issued the "Notice on Carrying Out Pilot Work for Green Liquid Fuel Technology Breakthroughs and Industrialisation (First Batch)". The document states that green liquid fuels are represented by low-carbon fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), sustainable diesel, bio-ethanol, green methanol, and green ammonia. To implement the relevant decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, ensure energy security, promote green transformation, and advance the development of new technologies, models, and business forms in the field of green liquid fuels, cultivating new quality productive forces in the energy sector, and enhancing new development momentum, after organizing expert reviews, re-examinations, and public announcements, it has been agreed in principle to allow nine projects, including a 30,000 mt/year cellulosic ethanol project by COFCO Biochemical, to carry out pilot work for green liquid fuel technology breakthroughs and industrialisation. The notice sets out the relevant matters.

Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology, Market Supervision Administration: Released the "Beijing Hydrogen Industry Standards System". The document states that by 2027, a complete Beijing hydrogen industry standards system will be established, with the linkage level between standards and industrial scientific and technological innovation continuously improving, and key links in the upstream and downstream of the industry chain basically connected. It aims to promote enterprises to actively participate in the formulation and revision of more than five international standards, deeply engage in the formulation and revision of over 20 national and industry standards, and lead the formulation and revision of more than 30 local and group standards, providing strong support for the development of the hydrogen industry in Beijing.

Hunan Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology: Issued the "Notice on Announcing the Application Scenarios of Low-Carbon Hydrogen in Hunan's Industry". The notice indicated that Hunan Province has a total of 12 industrial low-carbon hydrogen application scenarios, with application directions including clean hydrogen substitution, hydrogen metallurgy, transportation equipment, and green microgrids. Clean hydrogen substitution includes three items: hydrogen energy flame cutting by Hunan Province Shichun New Energy Co., Ltd.; the application scenario of low-carbon combustion technology for daily-use ceramics based on green electricity hydrogen production by Liling Taorun Industrial Development Co., Ltd.; and PEM water electrolysis for hydrogen production (green hydrogen production for special ceramics) by Chunhua Hydrogen Energy Technology (Hunan) Co., Ltd. Hydrogen metallurgy includes one item: hydrogen-based low-carbon metallurgy and protection technology by Sany Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd./Lianyuan Iron and Steel Group. Transportation equipment includes six items: a large-power hybrid shunting locomotive (rail transit vehicle) based on hydrogen energy power by CRRC Zhuzhou Electric Locomotive Co., Ltd.; a green electricity hydrogen production and refueling integrated station and hydrogen transportation demonstration project by Sany Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd./Changsha Economic Development Zone Management Committee; a mobile hydrogen energy "production-storage-refueling" integrated system for low-carbon transportation by the National Advanced Rail Transit Equipment Innovation Center; hydrogen refueling and detection equipment facilities for hydrogen fuel cell trucks at BAIC Foton Changsha Super Truck Factory by BAIC Foton Motor Co., Ltd. Changsha Super Truck Factory; large-power hydrogen fuel cell municipal environmental sanitation vehicles by Changsha Pro Environment Equipment Co., Ltd.; and large-power metal bipolar plate fuel cell city buses by Hunan Zhenbang Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. Green microgrids include two items: a demonstration application of green hydrogen-electric coupling AC/DC microgrid by State Grid Hunan Electric Power Company Limited Electric Power Research Institute/State Grid Zhuzhou Power Supply Company/Hunan Zhenbang Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd.

Policy Interpretation:

National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and National Energy Administration's "Implementation Opinions on Promoting the High-Quality Development of 'Artificial Intelligence+' Energy":The policy uses virtual power plants, distributed energy storage systems (ESS), and vehicle-to-grid interaction as entry points, optimizing the entire process of green hydrogen production through AI algorithms. AI addresses the pain point of hydrogen energy electricity prices, promoting the integration of "production and storage." By 2027, it is expected to form more than 10 intelligent hydrogen production demonstration projects, driving an increase in electrolyzer equipment utilization rates and providing replicable "computing power scheduling models" for green hydrogen bases in Northwest and North China.

National Energy Administration's "Pilot Notice on Green Liquid Fuels":The first batch of nine pilots focuses on green methanol (accounting for 78%) and green ammonia, among other tracks, mandatorily binding end-use applications such as aviation and shipping fuels, and requiring completion and operation by the end of 2026. The policy adopts a dual-track system of "technological breakthroughs + market validation," prioritizing manufacturing loans and subsidies for first-set equipment for selected projects, directly reducing financing costs for green hydrogen chemical projects. Establishing the "electricity-hydrogen-fuel" commercial closed loop facilitates the shift of hydrogen energy from "policy-driven" to "market-driven," with pilot regions such as Inner Mongolia and Jilin expected to become global hubs for green fuel exports.

Beijing’s "Hydrogen Energy Industry Standard System":By 2027, establish 518 standards (including 5 international standards) covering the entire industry chain of "production, storage, transportation, and utilization," with key breakthroughs in "bottleneck" standards such as digital stacking of PEM electrolyzers (e.g., Hydrogen Sea Energy production line) and safety specifications for 70MPa hydrogen refueling stations.

Hunan Province’s "Industrial Low-Carbon Hydrogen Application Scenarios":Twelve scenarios span sectors including metallurgy, ceramics, and transportation, pioneering a transformation path of "green hydrogen + traditional industries." For example, Liling Taorun Industrial uses green hydrogen instead of coal gas for ceramic firing, reducing carbon emissions per kiln by 65%, with products certified by the EU CE mark; the hydrogen-based metallurgy collaboration between Sany Heavy Industry and Liansteel reduces hydrogen consumption per metric ton of steel to 80kg and cuts coke consumption by 40%. Particularly in transportation, CRRC Zhuzhou’s hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives and Procur’s hydrogen fuel cell sweepers form a "hydrogen production-refueling-utilization" closed loop. The pilot green electricity-to-hydrogen station in Changsha Economic Development Zone supplies 500kg of hydrogen daily, meeting the demand of 200 commercial vehicles.

(II) Foreign Policies

European Commission:Approved a €1.2 billion renewable hydrogen funding plan for Spain. The plan will allocate funds through a competitive tender process, focusing on green hydrogen production facilities with an installed capacity of no less than 100MW, including production of renewable hydrogen-derived fuels, hydrogen storage solutions, and associated renewable power generation projects. It aims to help Spain achieve its 2030 target of 12GW electrolyzer capacity, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, and is expected to cut carbon dioxide emissions by 1 million metric tons.

European Commission:Approved a €3 billion hydrogen import plan (H2Global) jointly proposed by Germany and the Netherlands, aimed at procuring green hydrogen from non-EU countries and selling it in both nations. Germany contributed €2.7 billion and the Netherlands €300 million, using a double auction mechanism to purchase green hydrogen at the lowest cost and resell it to industrial users at market prices, with the price difference subsidized by public funds.

Germany:Adopted the "National Hydrogen Strategy," planning to achieve 5GW of green hydrogen capacity by 2030.

France:Updated the "National Hydrogen Strategy." Established a support mechanism totaling €4 billion to ensure the competitiveness of the low-carbon hydrogen market over the next 15 years. Adjustments include increasing national electrolyzer capacity to 4.5GW by 2030 and 8GW by 2035; strengthening technological autonomy across the entire hydrogen industry chain; developing low-carbon hydrogen transportation networks; and securing fundamental conditions for the development of the hydrogen energy industry.

US: US President Trump signed the "Big and Beautiful" bill, which extended the start date for tax credit projects in the hydrogen industry by two years to 2028. Hydrogen projects that were originally required to commence before January 1, 2026, to enjoy a maximum tax credit of $3 per kg, now have until January 1, 2028.

Policy Interpretation:

1. Standard Fragmentation and Cost Challenges: The EU's "carbon extraterritorial jurisdiction" has sparked controversy: its calculation method excludes "renewable carbon fuels" (such as hydrogen from biomass), which is seen as technological discrimination; CBAM's tracing of indirect emissions (such as the carbon intensity of the power grid for electrolysis hydrogen) led to the downgrading of Morocco's PV hydrogen project due to 15% coal in its power grid. More critically, fluctuations in EU carbon prices (which surged to 110 euros/mt in 2023) directly affect the cost of imported hydrogen, prompting countries like Algeria to demand long-term agreements with "carbon price linkage," a new type of trade clause reshaping global energy contracts.

2. Competition and Layout: China and the EU's decarbonization stimulus policy package essentially represents an industrial reshuffle using standards as a weapon. Germany's pipelines, France's electrolyzers, and US subsidies together form the "Three Kingdoms" of the hydrogen era. For China, it must accelerate adaptation to the EU's carbon footprint calculations and be wary of "standard barriers" turning into "technological lock-in"—when the EU mandates second-generation anti-hydrogen coatings for hydrogen projects by 2027, the speed of domestic enterprises' technological iteration will determine their position in the global low-carbon competition.

II. Corporate Dynamics: Project Signings and Technology Collaborations

(I) Project Intelligence

Baogang United Steel Marketing Center: In May 2025, Baogang United Steel released a tender candidate announcement for the re-procurement of hydrogen energy hybrid locomotive renovation equipment. The first-ranked bidder was CRRC Yongji Electric Co., Ltd., with a bid of 2.75 million yuan.

Lvliang Municipal Government Affairs Service Center: The hydrogen energy vehicle leasing service project for municipal government vehicles issued a termination notice, citing insufficient applications from fewer than three suppliers as the reason for termination.

Guoneng Hydrogen Innovation Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd.: Hydrogen technology company Guoneng Hydrogen Innovation Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd. announced the results of its inquiry for the purchase of a fuel cell box-type light-duty special vehicle. The final supplier was Yichuang Hydrogen Energy Technology (Zhangjiagang) Co., Ltd.

Yuntao Hydrogen Energy Technology: Qingling Automobile Co., Ltd. and Guangdong Yuntao Hydrogen Energy Technology Co., Ltd. reached a deep strategic cooperation agreement in Chongqing to jointly promote 300 units of 4.5-ton Qingling M600 hydrogen fuel cell refrigerated trucks.

Guohong Hydrogen Energy: The first batch of hydrogen-powered logistics vehicles equipped with Guohong Hydrogen Energy's fuel cell system, part of the Chengdu-Chongqing Expressway Hydrogen Corridor demonstration line, sounded their horns and set off fully loaded with goods, officially commencing cross-regional regular operations.

Huadian Group: Huadian Group's new energy industry-related project, the Daomaoqi to Baotou City Hydrogen Long-Distance Pipeline Project, announced the list of successful bidders for the general pipeline construction contract, procurement of steel pipes for hydrogen transportation, and construction supervision. The announcement shows that the pipeline construction contract is divided into six sections, with China Communications Petroleum & Natural Gas Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd., Sichuan Petroleum & Natural Gas Construction Engineering Co., Ltd., China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co., Ltd., Liaohe Oilfield Construction Co., Ltd., and Xindi Energy Engineering Technology Co., Ltd. selected as the primary winning bidders.

(II) Enterprise Dynamics

Shaanxi Hydrogen Energy: Shaanxi Hydrogen Energy and the Sixth Academy of China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation held an exchange meeting to discuss cooperation on the promotion of liquid hydrogen application demonstration projects, future planning, and key work arrangements.

Zhongxin Hydrogen Energy Technology, Foshan Nanhai Lianda Investment (Holding) Co., Ltd.: Foshan Nanhai Lianda Investment (Holding) Co., Ltd. and Guangdong Zhongxin Hydrogen Energy Technology Development Co., Ltd. officially signed a cooperation agreement to jointly establish Guangdong Zhongqing Lianda New Energy Investment Co., Ltd. The new company will focus on the investment, construction, and operation of integrated energy stations.

Hydrogen Maple: In Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, SEDC Energy Sdn Bhd completed a historic hydrogen filling operation using magnesium-based solid-state hydrogen storage tanks (MHX) supplied by Hydrogen Maple.

Hydrogen Maple, Shanxi Tongzhou Coking Coal Group Co., Ltd.: Hydrogen Maple and Shanxi Tongzhou Coking Coal Group Co., Ltd. signed a strategic cooperation agreement at the Changzhi Lushang Conference investment promotion project signing ceremony to jointly build a leading "zero-carbon hydrogen trunk line" transportation channel.

Beiben Heavy-Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd.: Liu Xiaodong was appointed as Director, General Manager, and Deputy Party Committee Secretary of Beiben Heavy-Duty Truck Group Co., Ltd.

Beijing Yihuatong Technology Co., Ltd.: Beijing Yihuatong Technology Co., Ltd. issued the "Announcement on Terminating the Issuance of Shares to Purchase Assets and Raise Supporting Funds and Related Party Transactions." The announcement shows that the company agreed to terminate the issuance of shares to purchase assets and raise supporting funds and related party transactions, and authorized the management to handle matters related to the termination.

Guosheng Lihua Hydrogen Production Equipment: The Kangbashi District hydrogen energy shared transportation system demonstration, utilizing ALK alkaline water electrolysis hydrogen production technology independently developed by Guosheng Lihua Company, was put into operation.

III. Technological Advancements: Breakthroughs in Efficiency and Cost

(I) Hydrogen Production, Storage, and Transportation

Foshan Xianhu Laboratory: The industry's first "zero-carbon ammonia-fueled aluminum billet heating furnace" for aluminum extrusion production was launched at Foshan Xianhu Laboratory. This equipment achieves zero-carbon operation in the aluminum processing heating stage, marking a significant step forward in the green transformation of China's aluminum processing industry.

Shougang Group Co., Ltd.:Successfully developed a full series of hydrogen pipeline steels including B/X42/X52/X60/X65MH, overcoming six key technical bottlenecks such as hydrogen embrittlement damage and low-temperature toughness, and established a relatively complete product matrix for hydrogen pipeline steels.

CNPC Baoshishun (Qinhuangdao) Steel Pipe Co., Ltd.:Successfully trial-produced multiple specifications of "longitudinal submerged arc welded pipes" (D610x12.7/14.3mm, material/X60MH) for pure hydrogen transportation.

SPIC Central Research Institute:The hydrogen storage and transportation team at the Advanced Low-Carbon Institute developed large-diameter (DN150), high-pressure (10MPa) non-metallic flexible hydrogen pipelines, which achieved safe and stable operation for 30 days on a test platform.

Offshore Oil Engineering Special Equipment Branch:The self-developed design achievement of a "cryogenic liquid hydrogen storage tank" for deep-sea floating platforms received the Approval in Principle (AIP) certificate from the China Classification Society (CCS), indicating that the safety and reliability of the achievement fully comply with the classification society's standards.

Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences:Breakthrough in alkaline electrolyzer membrane technology: Developed an ultra-thin (20μm) composite separator, increasing the electrolysis system efficiency to 85% (LHV) with a lifespan exceeding 60,000 hours.

(II) Fuel Cell Innovations

Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute:The RX4M, China's first self-developed four-seat hybrid electric aircraft by the team of Academician Yang Fengtian at the Liaoning General Aviation Research Institute of Shenyang Aerospace University, successfully completed its maiden flight at Shenyang Faku Caihu Airport, contributing the "China solution" to global electric aircraft development.

Dongfang Hydrogen Energy:Obtained a patent for a system that increases the humidity of incoming air in fuel cell technology.

Georgia Power: The second hydrogen-natural gas blended fuel experiment for the M501GAC natural gas turbine, developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Power, was successfully completed under partial and full load conditions.

The U.S. Hydrogen Energy Association (DoE) led the formation of the "Hydrogen Refueling Station Compatibility Alliance": Unified the interface standard for 70MPa hydrogen refueling nozzles, eliminating refueling protocol barriers for automakers such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Nikola, and promoting interoperability of hydrogen refueling networks.