This photo taken on March 20, 2024 shows the hydrogen production and distribution station of Sany Group in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. (Xinhua/Chen Zeguo)
BEIJING, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese hydrogen enterprises have intensified their global presence since 2025, expanding international cooperation through equipment exports, technology partnerships, joint ventures, and collaborative projects.
As of July 30, 11 overseas hydrogen-related initiatives were recorded in July alone, bringing the total number of international projects this year to 44. These projects span key markets including the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia, according to data compiled by the Securities Daily.
Industry experts note that China's hydrogen sector has transitioned from initial exploratory phases to a stage of scaled operations, localized production, and full industrial chain collaboration. Leveraging robust manufacturing and engineering capabilities, China is poised to play a pivotal role in global green hydrogen supply chains.
-- Electrolyzers dominate exports
International collaborations cover the entire hydrogen value chain, including production equipment, refueling stations, and end-use applications. Electrolyzers currently lead hydrogen equipment exports.
In May, Lanzhou LS Heavy Equipment Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of LS Group, secured its first international hydrogen equipment order through a contract with Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Hashim Industrial Gases & Equipment (AHG) for an electrolyzer project. Company executives emphasized this move marked their breakthrough in global hydrogen equipment markets.
Other industry players like Sungrow Hydrogen and Shuangliang Group have also delivered orders or signed agreements overseas.
Significant progress is also being made in hydrogen storage and transportation technologies, with Chinese innovations in liquid hydrogen handling and pipeline materials gaining international recognition. Order volumes in these segments continue to grow.
Notable achievements include LS Group's contract with AHG for a hydrogen refueling station signed in April, and Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd.'s milestone in early July in securing Australia's first order for hydrogen transmission seamless pipes.
Green hydrogen project investments and integrated engineering, procurement, construction (EPC) solutions represent another major expansion avenue.
Companies such as China Energy Engineering Group Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. and Wison Engineering are leveraging their traditional energy expertise and technological innovations to deliver comprehensive solutions globally.
Downstream applications are also gaining traction internationally. Zhizi Automobile Technology Co., Ltd. exported the first batch of hydrogen-powered heavy trucks to Australia on May 20 and signed an agreement for 20 additional vehicles.
Overseas expansion further extends to joint manufacturing and technology licensing models.
Jiangsu Guofu Hydrogen Energy Equipment Co., Ltd. has established electrolyzer production bases in Germany, Australia, and India, while Hygreen Energy launched a manufacturing facility in Spain. Peric Hydrogen Technologies Co., Ltd. has engaged in technology licensing partnerships with international firms.
Cross-border cooperation accelerates technological innovation and enables complementary strengths across the hydrogen value chain, stated Song Xiangqing, vice president of the Commerce Economy Association of China, who also added this not only enhances Chinese firms' global competitiveness but also facilitates their integration into worldwide hydrogen ecosystems.
-- Market demand expands globally
Hydrogen adoption is accelerating in transportation worldwide. European nations including Germany and France are actively deploying hydrogen-powered trucks, buses, and passenger vehicles, with plans to establish thousands of hydrogen refueling stations by 2030.
China's domestic policy framework further supports industry growth. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology issued a notice in January this year to prioritize R&D across hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and application technologies, targeting comprehensive solutions by 2026.
The National Energy Administration released a guideline in February this year to emphasize standardization in green hydrogen and promote pilot applications of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen pipelines.
With clearer technical standards and advancing hydrogen technologies, China's hydrogen sector is positioned for accelerated development during 2025 to 2026, noted a securities analyst.
Yu Fenghui, senior researcher at Pangoal Institution, added that growing global demand, supportive policies, and technological progress will further fuel overseas expansion.
-- Facing competitive global markets
Despite significant progress, Chinese hydrogen enterprises face substantial challenges in global markets.
Divergent technical standards across regions, intense international competition, and geopolitical uncertainties present ongoing hurdles, said Song.
Industry experts emphasize strategic responses. Enterprises must enhance product quality, intensify R&D for technological leadership, and strengthen supply chain resilience, according to Yu.
Proactive monitoring of policy developments like EU carbon taxes and early adoption of green certification systems are critical, noted an industry expert who also added that forming overseas industry alliances can optimize resource sharing, while consortium models help navigate international compliance requirements.
Song concluded that over the next three years, leadership will belong to companies excelling in technological innovation, localization capabilities, and standard-setting influence. The industry's evolution from cost-driven to value-driven growth will ultimately advance China's role from manufacturer to global standard-bearer.
(Edited by Tian Shenyoujia with Xinhua Silk Road, tianshenyoga0524@163.com)
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