BEIJING, March 29 (Xinhua) -- China's first unmanned hydrogen-electric hybrid mining truck -- powered by hydrogen energy and electric batteries, and capable of cutting over 1,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually -- stole the spotlight at the recent China International Hydrogen Congress (CIHC) 2025.

Deployed at the Shengli coal mine in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where winter temperatures could plunge to minus 40 degrees Celcius, this high-tech hauler doesn't flinch, proving that the green tech can thrive in harsh conditions, according to project lead Geng Hao. "Even in extreme cold, its hydrogen system stays rock-solid."

Other frontier hydrogen energy technologies, including hydrogen-powered shunting locomotives and smart hydrogen refueling robots, are also on display at the exhibition, exemplifying China's achievements in expanding hydrogen applications and building a green hydrogen ecosystem.

ON GOVERNMENT AGENDA

"At present, China's hydrogen energy sector is advancing rapidly in all segments of the hydrogen industry, including production, storage, transportation, and utilization," Bian Guangqi, an official with the National Energy Administration, said at the CIHC, noting that China accounted for more than half of the global production capacity for hydrogen generated from renewable energy in 2024.

In recent years, China has made significant strides in advancing policies for hydrogen development. In March 2022, Chinese authorities released a plan on the development of hydrogen energy for the 2021-2035 period, outlining the establishment of a hydrogen supply system and application promotion goals.

By 2025, annual hydrogen production from renewable energy is expected to reach 100,000 to 200,000 tonnes. By 2030, China aims to establish a well-organized industrial layout and promote the widespread use of hydrogen production from renewable sources, providing robust support for achieving the carbon peaking goal, according to the plan.

At the CIHC, James George, deputy resident representative of UNDP China, said China's hydrogen strategy has been key in adopting hydrogen and fuel cell technology, demonstrating the government's commitment to low-carbon development and clean energy.

"A strong hydrogen economy has the potential to revolutionize energy systems, significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and accelerate the green transition," George said.

MUSHROOMING APPLICATIONS

Embracing the renewable energy of the future has already become a reality in many places across the country. Dozens of provincial-level governments across the country have prioritized hydrogen development in their 2025 agendas, with many demonstration projects already making advances.

On Thursday, a landmark hydrogen production project at sea was completed in eastern Chinese coastal city Yantai. It could serve as a future refueling station for long-distance ships, supporting cleaner maritime transportation.

At the exhibition, Shanghai Hydrogen Propulsion Technology showcased a range of hydrogen fuel cell products already in use, including taxis for car-hailing services, buses, heavy-duty trucks, freight vehicles, and sanitation vehicles, all currently in pilot operation in cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Ordos.

"The advantages of hydrogen energy transportation products include short refueling times and long endurance mileage. These products have market potential as long as there is a stable, reliable, and economical supply of hydrogen," a staff of the company said.

To foster a robust industrial ecosystem across the industrial chain and the country, spearheaded by Chinese energy development giant CHN Energy, the China Hydrogen Alliance was set up in 2018, which now comprises over 300 members across 26 provincial-level regions and is the main organizer of the CIHC.

STILL A LONG WAY TO GO

While the hydrogen energy industry holds significant potential, the widespread application of hydrogen, particularly green hydrogen, currently faces challenges such as high costs, technological bottlenecks, and inadequate infrastructure, according to Gan Yong, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

"Despite 41 governments having adopted hydrogen strategies, green hydrogen still accounts for less than one percent of global hydrogen production, a challenge that also signals untapped potential and immense opportunity," George said.

China's recently enacted energy law calls for advancing hydrogen development and promoting high-quality growth in the industry, a move that "reflects the country's determination to develop hydrogen energy and promote the transformation of its energy structure," Bian said.

Bian added that the country will set clearer hydrogen industry goals and roadmaps in its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) for energy, optimize hydrogen project and industry layouts, and advance the coordinated development of the entire hydrogen energy supply chain.

China will also boost support for hydrogen technology innovation and application, optimize standards and certification frameworks while expanding global collaboration to promote open industrial development, Bian said.