All Things Policy A Primer on China's Hydrogen Economy
Aug 21, 2025
Bhumika Sevkani, a Research Analyst at the Takshashila Institution focusing on green technologies, sheds light on China's hydrogen economy. She discusses the country's substantial investments in green hydrogen and its plans for carbon neutrality by 2060. The conversation highlights the vital role of state subsidies and regional strategies in boosting hydrogen production. Bhumika also notes China's ambition to not just lead in domestic production but to export technology, paving the way for its dominance in the global clean energy market.
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Green Hydrogen's Role In Decarbonization
- Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable electricity to run electrolysis, avoiding carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
- China sees green hydrogen as a tool to decarbonize hard-to-abate industries like steel and refining.
Co-Located Production Cuts Costs
- China pursues demonstration projects that co-locate renewable generation and electrolysis to cut transport losses and costs.
- Scaling via domestic manufacturers and economies of scale is central to lowering green hydrogen prices.
2022 Plan Pushes Regional Specialization
- China's 2022 medium and long-term plan prioritizes production facilities, pipelines, fuel-cell vehicles and refueling stations.
- The plan directs provinces to leverage regional strengths for hydrogen roles like production or industrial use.