China's Hubei Province aims to put over 7,000 fuel cell vehicles on roads by 2027

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 8, China's Hubei Province released its Action Plan for Accelerating the Development of the Hydrogen Industry (2024-2027), outlining ambitious targets to boost its hydrogen energy sector.

According to the plan, the province aims to establish a diversified and cost-effective green hydrogen supply system by 2027, featuring a series of green hydrogen production projects. Hubei plans to build 100 hydrogen refueling stations and achieve an annual hydrogen production capacity of 1.5 million tonnes. The province will expand pilot applications of hydrogen energy across transportation, industrial use, and energy storage and power generation. Additionally, the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles is set to surpass 7,000 units, with Hubei leading the country in the application of hydrogen-powered vessels and aircraft.

Geely's fuel cell bus; photo credit: Geely

The plan also envisions forming a hydrogen industry cluster centered around Wuhan, the capital of Hubei province, positioning it as a national hub for hydrogen technology. By 2027, the province aims to develop a national-level hydrogen equipment center focusing on electrolysis cells and fuel cells. Hubei seeks to create a demonstration area for the widespread application of hydrogen in transportation and industry.

In terms of industrial scale, Hubei targets a total value of 100 billion yuan across the full hydrogen, with 30 billion yuan attributed to hydrogen production and 40 billion yuan from hydrogen application equipment and components. The province also aims to be included in the national strategic emerging industrial clusters program, attracting over 10 leading hydrogen enterprises and 100 key companies in the hydrogen sector.

On the innovation front, Hubei plans to establish six hydrogen industry innovation platforms at the provincial level or higher by 2027. The province aims to achieve internationally advanced standards for technologies like proton exchange membranes, membrane electrodes, electrolyzers, and hydrogen storage. Hubei also seeks to maintain a leading position in hydrogen fuel cell and vehicle R&D, setting more than 10 national standards and industry benchmarks for the hydrogen sector.