China's Leap Towards A Zero-Emission Future With Green Hydrogen, Says Industry Leader

Baoshen Zhong, Chairman of LONGi Green Energy, recently emphasized the critical role of green hydrogen in achieving a more sustainable energy sector. During the 2024 Two Sessions, he highlighted that renewable energy sources like photovoltaic (PV) and wind power are key to producing green hydrogen, which could lead to zero carbon dioxide emissions from the source. This statement was reported by China Economic Net, underlining the importance of green hydrogen in the global shift towards cleaner energy.

The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 percent for the global hydrogen trade by 2050. In China, the hydrogen energy industry is experiencing rapid growth. Data from the China Hydrogen Alliance predicts that by 2025, the domestic hydrogen energy industry's output value will hit 1 trillion yuan.

A recent report by the China Photovoltaic Industry Association (CPIA) discussed the integration of PV and hydrogen production. It suggested expanding PV green electricity consumption through avenues like ammonia and methanol production. The report also called for an improved application environment for green hydrogen and its derivatives, alongside exploring cost reduction strategies for these products.

According to China Economic Net, the 2024 Government Work Report introduced new quality productive forces that signify a leap in productivity through technological innovation. Zhong stated that green hydrogen serves as a crucial clean energy carrier and industrial raw material for the future energy structure. He advocated for off-grid hydrogen production to aid in adjusting the energy structure and achieving carbon neutrality goals.

Zhong further proposed combining the green hydrogen chemical industry with domestic renewable energy bases. He emphasized prioritizing water electrolysis hydrogen production projects in deserts and wastelands to promote early application of technological advancements.

Addressing storage and transportation costs as a major challenge for the green hydrogen industry, Zhong suggested using green ammonia and methanol as carriers. Following the European Union's inclusion of the shipping industry in its carbon emissions trading system on 1st January, major shipowners have begun adopting decarbonization strategies, including using green methanol produced from green hydrogen as an alternative fuel.

Zhong also stressed the need for including high-carbon-emitting industries in China's carbon trading system to reduce costs and enhance product competitiveness for China’s green methanol.

China's status as the world's largest producer and consumer of synthetic ammonia was noted, with coal-based ammonia production emitting approximately 4.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of synthetic ammonia produced. Zhong believes that increasing green hydrogen ammonia synthesis projects will reduce fossil fuel consumption and expedite achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals.

Since its establishment in 2021, LONGi Hydrogen Energy has made significant strides in the field. It constructed its first 1,000Nm3/h alkaline water electrolyzer with a capacity of 500MW. Additionally, it secured and operationalized China’s first 10,000-tonne PV green hydrogen demonstration project, marking a significant step forward in green hydrogen development.

With inputs from WAM