China advances regional hydrogen pilot programs to boost clean energy transition

BEIJING, April 15 (Xinhua) -- China's National Energy Administration (NEA) has convened a meeting to outline key tasks in advancing the country's regional pilot programs for hydrogen energy, as part of broader efforts to foster emerging industries and accelerate the country's green energy transition.

The meeting reviewed progress made in ongoing pilot projects, identified key bottlenecks, and outlined priorities for the next phase.

Officials emphasized the strategic importance of hydrogen energy, describing it as a key direction in the global energy technology revolution and industrial transformation. The sector is seen as critical to building a modern industrial system, fostering new quality productive forces, safeguarding national energy security, and advancing low-carbon development.

China officially announced its first batch of hydrogen pilot projects in December 2025, comprising 41 initiatives, including a large-scale long-distance hydrogen pipeline in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, as well as integrated wind-solar hydrogen production and green ammonia projects.

The meeting stressed that regional pilots will play a crucial role in overcoming development challenges and driving high-quality growth. Key priorities include aligning with the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and the broader objective of building China into a leading energy power, and advancing pilot programs in a more targeted and coordinated manner based on local conditions.

Technological innovation should be strengthened to accelerate the commercialization of advanced research and promote the demonstration and application of first-of-its-kind equipment.

The meeting called for bold steps to advance mechanism innovations such as hydrogen trading and green certification, as well as intensifying policy support and boosting coordination among pilot programs.

Officials said the continued progress of these pilot programs will provide strong support to ensure energy security, promote green and low-carbon transformation, and advance the construction of a modern industrial system.