Recently, hydrogen-powered vehicles have officially begun operation in some Chinese cities, bringing the word “hydrogen energy” back into the spotlight. For many people, hydrogen energy still feels unfamiliar, but in fact, just like solar and energy storage, it plays a vital role in driving the global energy transition.
How is hydrogen produced?
Hydrogen is the most widely distributed substance in the universe. It can be extracted from coal, oil, water, methanol, and many other materials. Currently, the mainstream methods of hydrogen production include:
Fossil-based hydrogen
By-product hydrogen from industrial processes
Electrolyzed hydrogen from water
The so-called green hydrogen is produced by using renewable power such as solar PV and wind energy to electrolyze water. This is truly clean hydrogen. Although the cost of green hydrogen is still relatively high, prices are falling rapidly as renewable energy and electrolyzer technology advance.
More advanced technologies—such as using direct sunlight to split water (photoelectrolysis), or bio-hydrogen produced by microbial fermentation—are still under research and exploration.
Why is hydrogen attracting attention?
The reason hydrogen has become such a hot topic is because it can be converted into electricity through fuel cells, and its only emission is water. That means real environmental benefits and a dramatic reduction in greenhouse gases.
Compared with pure electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered cars with onboard hydrogen tanks can refuel much faster and achieve longer ranges. In addition, storing hydrogen does not rely on fossil-based materials. For example, lithium batteries are still tied to power storage. In contrast, hydrogen storage itself is clean and environmentally friendly.
A signal from China’s hydrogen journey
China has already launched demonstration projects for hydrogen-powered buses and trucks. For example, in Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu Province, about 60 hydrogen buses had been introduced by 2022 over a period of just four years. The scaled-up application of hydrogen energy is expected to unlock more possibilities for future smart energy systems.
HJ Group’s perspective
As a company deeply rooted in the energy sector, HJ Group has always been closely watching the synergy between hydrogen and energy storage. Looking ahead, we believe hydrogen will complement solar and storage systems, providing more flexible and stable solutions for clean energy adoption.
The future of mobility will not only be electric vehicles—it will also include hydrogen-powered cars. Step by step, hydrogen is making a zero-carbon lifestyle a reality.
