On April 27, 2026, Beijing - As wind and solar farms in Northeast, North, and Northwest China are rapidly converting into hydrogen gas, China's hydrogen energy industry has quietly crossed a watershed. At its regular press conference in the first quarter of 2026, the National Energy Administration revealed that as of the end of March 2026, the country's renewable energy hydrogen production capacity had exceeded 250000 tons per year, more than doubling from the end of 2024. From pilot exploration to large-scale development, China's hydrogen energy industry is accelerating under the dual drive of policies and markets, and the blueprint for the "15th Five Year Plan" has also been put on the agenda.

Hydrogen production capacity accelerates towards scale

As of the end of March 2026, the scale of renewable energy hydrogen production capacity under construction in China has exceeded 1 million tons per year, with electrolysis of water as the main technological route. The Northeast, North China, and Northwest are the main growth areas, with the Northeast region accounting for 45.7% of the country's operational capacity. Jilin and Inner Mongolia have developed particularly rapidly, with cumulative production capacities exceeding 90000 tons/year and 80000 tons/year respectively. The trend of large-scale construction of individual projects is evident, with an average production capacity of about 13000 tons per year. Multiple projects with a capacity of 50000 tons or more have been launched in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Jilin.

Green fuels still need to be cultivated as they begin to take shape

China has built a total of approximately 8 million tons/year of green fuel production capacity, with green ammonia, green methanol, and sustainable aviation fuel production capacities of approximately 700000 tons/year, 380000 tons/year, and 1.7 million tons/year, respectively. The National Energy Administration pointed out that the current turbulent situation in the Middle East and significant fluctuations in the international oil and gas market have highlighted the urgent need to develop green fuels. However, the industry is still in its early stages of development, with small production capacity and high production costs. The application scenarios and domestic and international markets need further cultivation and expansion. Keywords: Strategic News Network, Green Fuel, Hydrogen Energy

The 15th Five Year Plan targets and policies continue to be strengthened

The National Energy Administration stated that the next step will be to collaborate with the National Development and Reform Commission to scientifically plan the development goals and tasks of the hydrogen energy industry during the 15th Five Year Plan period, improve and perfect the hydrogen energy policy management system, and continue to deepen technological industry innovation. Specific measures include organizing pilot projects related to green fuels, focusing on breaking through bottlenecks in key technological equipment, accelerating the establishment of green fuel standards and certification systems that are in line with China's national conditions, and promoting the healthy and orderly development of the green fuel industry according to local conditions.Editor/Gao Xue