[SMM Hydrogen Policy Update] National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC): Notice on Issuing the "Statistical Classification of the Low-Altitude Economy and Its Core Industries (Trial)"

On December 26, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) announced the official release and implementation of the "Statistical Classification of Low-Altitude Economy and Its Core Industries (Trial)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Classification").The core highlight is the comprehensive inclusion of hydrogen-related industrial activities into the low-altitude economy statistical system, focusing on two key areas: low-altitude manufacturing and low-altitude supporting industries, with precise delineation of statistical attribution. This initiative fills the gap in statistical standards for the hydrogen low-altitude industry, providing authoritative data support for the deep integration of hydrogen energy and the low-altitude economy, the industrialisation landing, and precise policy layout, thereby promoting the large-scale and standardised development of hydrogen low-altitude applications.

I. Core Areas: Low-Altitude Manufacturing (Main Battlefield for Hydrogen Applications)

As a core industry of the low-altitude economy, the "Classification" precisely refines the statistical attribution of hydrogen-related links, achieving full coverage of key periods in the entire industry chain and providing clear guidance for scale accounting.

1. Core Equipment Manufacturing: The manufacturing of complete hydrogen-powered low-altitude aircraft such as hydrogen-powered drones, hydrogen-powered general aircraft, and hydrogen-powered light helicopters is classified under category 0101 (Low-Altitude Complete Aircraft Manufacturing), adapting to the development needs of hydrogen-powered aircraft from R&D testing to industrialisation landing.
2. Key Parts Production: The manufacturing of core components such as fuel cells, hydrogen engines, hydrogen storage tanks, and hydrogen pipelines is included in category 0102 (Low-Altitude Aircraft Equipment and Parts Manufacturing, including sub-categories such as battery manufacturing and engine manufacturing), aligning with the industrialisation process of core technologies.
3. Fuel Supply Assurance: Hydrogen fuel required for the flight, maintenance, and repair of low-altitude aircraft is classified under category 010309 (Manufacture of Fuels and Petroleum Products for Low-Altitude Use), listed alongside aviation gasoline and biofuels, thereby completing the statistical chain on the supply side.

II. Supporting Areas: Low-Altitude Supporting Industries (Building a Foundation for Industrial Development Assurance)

The "Classification" simultaneously incorporates hydrogen-related supporting links into statistics, comprehensively addressing concerns hindering industrial development and building a sound assurance system.

1. Talent Support: Education and training for technical personnel specializing in the maintenance of hydrogen low-altitude equipment, operation and maintenance of hydrogen power systems, and detection of hydrogen-powered aircraft are classified under category 0404 (Low-Altitude Talent Education and Training, including vocational skills training and continuing education), reserving professionals for the industry.
2. Financial Assurance: Investment and financing services for hydrogen low-altitude enterprises, such as equity financing, bond financing, and industrial fund investments, as well as supporting insurance activities like insurance for hydrogen-powered aircraft airframes/parts and flight personnel insurance, are included in category 0407 (Low-Altitude Financial Services), addressing issues of high initial investment and financing difficulties.
3. Exchange and Promotion: Exhibition activities such as hydrogen low-altitude equipment exhibitions and industry forums can be included in the statistics of category 0408 (Low-Altitude Exhibition Services), facilitating industrial exchange and market promotion.

III. Industrial Significance

The "Classification" clarifies the statistical boundaries of hydrogen energy in the low-altitude sector, which not only fills the gap in statistical standards for this field and aligns with national policies on hydrogen energy and the low-altitude economy, but also enables precise accounting of the current scale and industry chain layout of the hydrogen-powered low-altitude industry. Currently, hydrogen-powered drones have achieved breakthroughs in long driving range and operation in extreme environments, covering scenarios such as logistics, inspection, and rescue. The industry chain includes core components like fuel cells and hydrogen storage parts, providing solid data support for policy support, market allocation, and technological innovation. In the future, with the coordinated promotion of "national + local" policies, technological iteration, and pilot scenario validation, the application of hydrogen energy in scenarios such as low-altitude logistics, tourism, and emergency rescue will accelerate. This will not only boost the green and low-carbon transformation of the low-altitude economy but also stimulate demand across the entire hydrogen energy value chain, achieving mutual empowerment and a virtuous cycle between the low-altitude economy and the hydrogen energy industry.