(Beijing, 4th) Nikkei News recently cited the latest research, reporting that China has surpassed Japan in hydrogen energy-related patent competitiveness, becoming the global leader. The report highlighted that leveraging its technological advantages in solar and wind energy, China is solidifying its dominance in the zero-carbon energy sector.
The study, conducted by Astamuse, analyzed approximately 180,000 patents in the hydrogen energy sector between 2013 and 2022. These patents cover five major areas: production, storage, transportation and supply, safety management, and applications. The evaluation was based on factors such as feasibility and the duration of legal protection. China ranked first in overall patent competitiveness and maintained a leading position in key areas such as production, storage, transportation, and safety. By comparison, in the previous assessment covering 2011 to 2020, Japan was the leader, with China in second place.
The report noted that China already dominates the solar panel and wind power equipment markets and is now leveraging this foundation to accelerate its progress in the hydrogen energy industry. Solar energy giants like LONGi Green Energy and Sungrow Power Supply Co. are using their accumulated resources and customer networks in renewable energy to steadily expand into green hydrogen.
Unlike Japan and Europe, which focus primarily on hydrogen’s application in end-user areas like fuel cell vehicles, Chinese companies are prioritizing its use in industrial sectors such as chemicals and steel.
As the cost of hydrogen production equipment decreases, domestic demand in China continues to rise. According to the International Energy Agency, China’s hydrogen consumption reached 28 million tons in 2023, accounting for nearly 30% of global consumption, making it the world's largest hydrogen consumer.
A report from China's National Energy Administration pointed out that by 2024, China's annual hydrogen production and consumption will exceed 36.5 million tons, ranking first globally. As of the end of 2024, global renewable energy hydrogen production projects achieved an annual capacity of over 250,000 tons, with China contributing more than 50%. This establishes China as a global leader in renewable hydrogen energy production and related industries.