China adds 20-plus hydrogen ventures in fresh energy expansion

China has emerged as a global leader in the renewable energy sector. Aiming to align with the directive set by President Xi, which calls for more work to be done in advancing the standing and progress in the renewable energy sector. China has announced that it has added a flurry of 20-plus hydrogen ventures across the world as part of a fresh energy expansion. China has a huge population, and as such has a vested interest in exploring as many power generation methods as possible. The new approach laid out by the government has resulted in a litany of renewable energy projects around the globe.

China leads the way in the global pursuit of developing the renewable energy sector’s potential

The world needs to do more to fast-track the transition away from fossil fuels towards the renewable energy sector; that much has become abundantly clear over the past few decades.

China is universally renowned for its efficiency and innovative approach to finding solutions to exceedingly complex issues. It has become evident that a major state-owned company in China is stepping up its hydrogen push under China’s “dual carbon” goals. It aims to do this with more than 22 projects that are currently underway both in China and abroad.

The state-owned company has revealed that it is currently building an integrated “wind-solar-hydrogen-storage” system. That innovative system couples large-scale renewables with green hydrogen, ammonia, and methanol production.

The system in question could serve as new benchmarks for industrial-scale clean energy deployment. China is, without question, leading the world in the promotion of the renewable energy sector. Roughly 80% of the world’s solar panels are made in China.

Unlike China, the United States is cutting funding for hydrogen projects

The United States federal government, under the purview of Donald Trump, is heading in the opposite direction. While China expands its presence in the renewable energy sector, the United States is canceling a huge hydrogen hub in California. Which has not gone down well with the state’s Governor, Gavin Newsom.

State officials have reported that the project in question, called ARCHES, would have garnered over $10 billion in primarily private sector cost share. The cancellation aligns with the current administration’s perception of the renewable energy sector. The US has seen a significant rise in coal usage following the stance undertaken by the President.

Several U.S. senators have lamented the cancellation of the project and have vowed to fight back against the Trump administration’s policies.

“The cancellation of ARCHES is vindictive, shortsighted, and proof this Administration is not serious about American energy dominance. Walking away from ARCHES threatens the future promise of hydrogen energy and will guarantee energy costs continue to rise for families while the rest of the world surges ahead in its development. California will not back down—we’ll keep leading on clean energy where this Administration has chosen to abandon American leadership.” – U.S. Senator Alex Padilla

The contrast between China and the USA in the energy sector is evident for all to see

The energy sector needs to fast-track the implementation of actual, well-funded projects that move beyond a memorandum of understanding towards practical operations on the ground. How we might get there is anyone’s guess. The sharp contrast that is evident in the energy sector is exemplified by China’s ambitious plans to increase its standing in the hydrogen sector and America’s refusal to jump on board the hydrogen train. Europe, not to be left out, seems to side with the Chinese in this regard, as Norway has boosted its hydrogen sector with hydrogen and ammonia ship retrofits. China is perfectly placed to become a global leader in the hydrogen sector if the current trend continues, that is.