China is expanding the use of hydrogen energy across production, storage, transportation and consumption, positioning it as an important part of the country’s transition to a low-carbon energy system, reports CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS.
In August 2026, the country launched comprehensive pilot programmes for hydrogen applications in five major city clusters. The initiatives cover areas such as fuel cell vehicles and aim to strengthen hydrogen supply capacity.
In Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu Province, a heavy-duty hydrogen-powered truck can travel more than 500 kilometres on a single 37-kilogram fill. According to its driver, the vehicle can cover around 100 kilometres more than a conventional diesel truck for a comparable fuel cost, offering potential savings in transport operations.
Hydrogen is also being introduced into everyday activities. In Weifang, Shandong Province, a cafeteria uses a mixture of hydrogen and conventional fuel gas for cooking, producing a stronger flame while supporting cleaner energy use.
China’s annual hydrogen production exceeds 39 million tonnes, accounting for more than half of global output and placing the country first worldwide. The 15th Five-Year Plan for 2026–2030 has included hydrogen energy in the non-fossil energy supply system for the first time. In western regions, abundant wind and solar resources are being used to produce green hydrogen through water electrolysis.
Infrastructure development is also progressing. Construction is under way on China’s first cross-provincial hydrogen pipeline. The combined length of completed and planned hydrogen pipelines across the country has exceeded 13,000 kilometres.
Zhang Lin, director of the Planning and Development Department at the China Electricity Council, said hydrogen energy was moving from demonstration projects towards large-scale development. He identified the next five years as a key period for expanding market-driven applications, with the development of an integrated industry chain covering production, storage, transportation and use offering substantial potential for the country’s green transition.
