China dominates global manufacturing of green hydrogen equipment
In a major turning point for the energy industry, China is positioning itself as an undisputed leader in low-emission hydrogen production, capturing 40% of new projects approved this year. This breakthrough could revolutionize overall costs and accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen across the world.
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The rise of China
According to a report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), China has not only increased its production capacity of electrolysers but also reduced their cost, thus promoting access to hydrogen produced from renewable energies. Electrolyzers are essential for obtaining low-emission hydrogen from renewable electricity or nuclear.
Statistics and international comparisons
With more than 40% of newly approved electrolyzer capacities, totaling 6.5 gigawatts over the last year, China is well ahead of Europe and India in terms of development. Europe has certainly quadrupled its capacity, reaching more than 2GW, while India has reached 1.3GW.
Manufacturing Capabilities
China leads global manufacturing of electrolysers, hosting 60% of global capacity. With an annual production of 25GW, it far exceeds the world average. Additionally, several major Chinese solar panel manufacturers have diversified into electrolyzer manufacturing, further strengthening the country’s production capacity.
Financial support and expansion of projects
The total electrolyzer capacity that has received financial support amounts to 20GW globally, which could multiply production by five global annual low-emission hydrogen by 2030. This trend is confirmed by investments of 75 billion euros this year compared to 10 billion in 2020.
Technological challenges and solutions
Despite advances, the high cost of electrolyzers remains a major obstacle. According to the IEA, adhering to current policies could reduce the cost gap with hydrogen produced from fossil fuels by 30%, while a more ambitious policy could result in a 50% drop.
The politics and future of low-emission hydrogen
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the IEA, highlights the need for policies supporting demand so that low-emission hydrogen production can scale up. Supportive policies, such as mandatory use of sustainable fuels in aviation and shipping in the European Union, are already in place to stimulate demand.
Growing tensions between China and the United States
China’s progress in producing this energy of the future is not welcomed with enthusiasm by everyone, particularly in the United States. Washington observes with growing concern the rapid rise of China in a strategic area considered essential for the future of the planet and the global economy. U.S. officials are openly expressing concern that China could gain control of a crucial market, potentially to the detriment of U.S. economic and environmental interests. This situation highlights the geopolitical issues that are increasingly intertwined with technological advances, underscoring a rivalry that could shape the energy and environmental policies of the two powers for decades to come.
A golden future
Targets set by governments for low-emission hydrogen production are expected to be met 43 million tonnes by 2030which far exceeds the estimated demand of only 11 million tonnes. Initiatives are underway to stimulate this demand and ensure a viable market for green hydrogen.
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This article explores how China has become a dominant player in the green hydrogen sector through its innovations in electrolyzer production. With major implications for overall costs and global energy policy, this development marks a crucial turning point for the future of sustainable energy.
Source : Scmp
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