[SMM Hydrogen Policy Update] National Energy Administration: First Batch of Hydrogen Pilot Project List in the Energy Sector Released, 41 Projects + 9 Regions

On October 16, 2025, the General Department of the National Energy Administration issued a public notice on the first batch of hydrogen energy pilot projects in the energy sector. Through expert review, 41 project pilots and 9 regional pilots were identified, marking a new stage of large-scale demonstration and exploration for China's hydrogen energy industry. The key contents are as follows:

I. Background and Objectives of the Pilot Initiative

1. Policy Basis

The pilot work strictly adheres to the requirements of documents such as the Energy Law of the People's Republic of China, the Medium and Long-Term Plan for Hydrogen Energy Industry Development (2021–2035), and the Administrative Measures for Technology Demonstration and Reform Pilot Work of the National Energy Administration (NEA General Office Legal Reform [2023] No. 61). It represents a key measure to implement the decisions and deployments of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council regarding hydrogen energy industry development.

2. Core Objectives

The initiative aims toinnovate hydrogen energy management models,explore diversified industrial development pathways, and form replicable and scalable experience and outcomes. Ultimately, it seeks to support the coordinated development of the entire hydrogen energy industry chain—from production and storage to transportation and application—and accelerate the large-scale integration of hydrogen energy into the energy system.

II. Key Composition of the Pilot List

The announced pilots are divided into two main categories:project pilotsandregional pilots,with specific details provided in Attachments 1 and 2:

(1) Project Pilots (41 projects, corresponding to Attachment 1: List of Hydrogen Energy Pilots in the Energy Sector (Project Pilots))

Typical Examples: Represented by the "Inner Mongolia Shenneng Ejin Horo Banner Wind and Solar Power Hydrogen Production Integrated Green Ammonia Synthesis and Hydrogen Energy Coupling Application Project," these illustrate the core focus areas of project pilots.

Key Information in the Attachment: The table lists detailed information for all 41 projects by serial number, including project name (e.g., Hydrogen Energy Comprehensive Utilization Project in a Certain Park, Hydrogen Heavy-Duty Truck Demonstration Project at a Certain Port), implementing entity (enterprise or consortium name), construction location (covering multiple provinces and regions such as Inner Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Guangdong), technology pathway (covering wind and solar power hydrogen production, green hydrogen coupling with chemical industry, hydrogen transportation, hydrogen energy storage, etc.), construction scale (e.g., hydrogen production capacity, hydrogen storage capacity, scale of demonstration application scenarios), and pilot objectives (e.g., targeted technological breakthroughs, expected economic and environmental benefits). This reflects the diversity and technological innovation of the project pilots.

(2) Regional Pilots (9 pilots, corresponding to Attachment 2: List of Hydrogen Energy Pilots in the Energy Sector (Regional Pilots))

Typical Examples: The Jilin Changchun-Songyuan-Baicheng Regional Pilot serves as a demonstration model for regional-level hydrogen energy development.

Key Information in the Attachment: The table records the basic details of the 9 regional pilots, including regional name (e.g., Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Hydrogen Energy Collaborative Development Pilot, Yangtze River Delta Hydrogen Energy Transportation Network Pilot), coverage area (specific prefecture-level cities or urban agglomerations), lead unit (local government energy authorities or key enterprises), pilot positioning (e.g., regional hydrogen energy infrastructure network construction, cross-regional hydrogen resource allocation, entire industry chain coordinated development), and key tasks (e.g., hydrogen refueling station deployment, hydrogen supply guarantee system construction, large-scale promotion of application scenarios). This highlights the systematic and coordinated nature of the regional pilots.

III. Public Notice Process and Feedback Method

1. Public Notice Period

From October 16 to October 22, 2025, the public notice period lasts for 7 days, providing a sufficient window for feedback from all sectors of society.

2. Requirements for Objection Feedback

Feedback Channels: Objection materials must be submitted via email (nengxiaochuneng@nea.gov.cn).

Documentation Requirements: The materials shall indicate the real name and contact information of the unit or individual raising the objection, and the submitter shall be responsible for the authenticity of the materials; anonymous objections, objections without specific factual basis, or unreasonable demands will not be accepted, ensuring the effectiveness and seriousness of the feedback information.

IV. Significance of the Pilot Program

The public notice of this first batch of hydrogen energy pilot projects in the energy sector marks an important transition for China's hydrogen energy industry development from "single-point breakthroughs" to "systematic demonstration." The project pilots focus on technological innovation and practical application, while the regional pilots emphasize system construction and coordinated development. The two complement each other, providing replicable hydrogen energy development pathways for regions with different resource endowments and development stages, thereby promoting the high-quality and standardized development of China's hydrogen energy industry.