On June 26, the National Alliance of Hydrogen and Fuel Cell issued White Paper on China’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry, indicating that weak infrastructures (e.g. storage, transportation and refueling of hydrogen) are curbing the industry, most players in which are currently engaged in fuel cell components and applications. The number of domestic hydrogen refueling stations is to reach 1 500 in 2030, far exceeding 23 at the end of 2018 and forecasted 100 in 2020. But the number is to reach a new high – more than 10 000 – in 2050, when hydrogen is to be widely used in transportation and industrial fields.

An important part of future energy system in China, hydrogen is to be 10% of the system in 2050, and generates an annual economic output of over RMB10 trillion, with the domestic demand to reach nearly 60 million tons. In addition, annual output of fuel-cell vehicles is to reach 5.2 million, and the capacity of fuel cell systems is to be 5.5 million set/a, both by 2050.

Pilot demonstration projects are recommended to be conducted mainly in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, Yangtze River basin and Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, trying to propel rational layout, avoid low-level redundant development and provide useful experiences.