China Leads in Green Hydrogen Innovation, Surpassing Japan in Patents

China has surpassed Japan in green hydrogen patents and production efficiency, backed by significant investments. A recent analysis reveals Chinese companies lead in key areas of hydrogen technology, suggesting that without increased efforts from other countries, China may dominate the global hydrogen vehicle supply chain.

China is making significant strides in the green hydrogen sector, moving ahead of Japan in terms of innovation and patents. This shift comes on the tail of substantial investments by Chinese companies, allowing them to dominate the clean energy landscape. According to Astamuse, a Japanese research firm, the number of low-carbon hydrogen-related patents filed by Chinese firms has outpaced those of Japan, marking a pivotal change in the global hydrogen narrative.

The research analyzed a staggering 180,000 green hydrogen patents filed between 2013 and 2022, assessing them in five key areas: production, storage, transportation, supply, and end use. The findings illustrated that Chinese companies not only led in overall competitiveness but also excelled in each of the first four categories. Not too long ago, in a similar study of 140,000 patents from 2011 to 2020, Japan held the top position. However, China has doubled its green hydrogen patent filings every year since announcing its carbon peak targets in 2020.

In a bold move, China introduced a national hydrogen strategy in 2022, positioning hydrogen as pivotal as renewable energy. Their ambitious plan aimed to ramp up annual green hydrogen production to between 100,000 and 200,000 tons by 2025—targets that have already been exceeded. Despite Japan’s earlier launch of its hydrogen strategy, China’s rapid investment has allowed it to accelerate progress within the hydrogen space at an impressive rate.

The influx of patents has notably reduced the cost of hydrogen production equipment in China to a quarter of the price in Europe, consequently boosting local demand. The International Energy Agency estimates that China now comprises 30% of the global hydrogen market, affirming its standing as the largest hydrogen consumer worldwide.

As part of the trend, Chinese solar giants like LONGi and Sungrow are delving into hydrogen production, with a focus on gaining market share over immediate profits. Zhang Xiaoguang, Chief Advisor at Daiwa Research Institute, highlights that these firms are positioning themselves advantageously by leveraging their existing strengths in renewable energy sectors.

This growth might also spill over into hydrogen-powered vehicles. Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of Toyota’s Hydrogen Business Unit, emphasizes that China already leads in hydrogen truck infrastructure, maintaining fuel costs that are merely one-third of what they are in Japan. If other countries do not ramp up their investments, it’s feared that China could similarly dominate the hydrogen vehicle supply landscape, just as it has with electric vehicles.

In counteraction, Japan has begun offering subsidies to help bridge the cost disparity between hydrogen and fossil fuels. Moreover, it is collaborating with the United States and South Korea to advance hydrogen technologies. Simultaneously, the European Union is contemplating restrictions on the inclusion of Chinese components in hydrogen-related projects to protect European industries.

In summary, China’s rapid advancements in the green hydrogen sector have allowed it to surpass Japan, particularly concerning patents and production efficiencies. The national hydrogen strategy, combined with significant investments, has positioned China as a global leader in this critical area of clean energy. If other nations, including Japan, do not increase their investments, there is a risk that China will monopolize the hydrogen vehicle supply chain, mirroring its success in the electric vehicle market.

Original Source: reccessary.com