In this issue, we bring you the most recent developments in solar energy, energy efficiency, climate investment standards, hydrogen energy initiatives, and the launch of China’s first full-scale hydrogen port. Our goal is to keep you informed about the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of renewable energy and sustainability efforts across China.

Hydrogen Energy Initiatives

HK Launched the Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy.

On June 17, the Hong Kong government released the "Hydrogen Energy Development Strategy," outlining measures to promote hydrogen use, including launching the city’s first public hydrogen refueling station and initiating hydrogen-powered street cleaning vehicle trials. By 2027, Hong Kong aims to establish a comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure.

In 2022, a cross-departmental working group initiated 14 pilot projects covering hydrogen transport and supply facilities. The Strategy emphasizes public transportation, with hydrogen buses already in service and further trials planned for street-cleaning vehicles and trams. Legislative proposals to regulate hydrogen use will be submitted next year, though the commercialization timeline remains uncertain due to high costs and economic viability concerns. Source

China Launches First Full-Scale Hydrogen Port in Qingdao

On June 12, China's first full-scale hydrogen port was launched in Qingdao. The Shandong Port Group unveiled its comprehensive plan, including a hydrogen supply system, an efficient refueling system, and a hydrogen safety management system. The project will demonstrate integrated applications across the hydrogen industry chain and develop key platforms for innovation, trade, and public service. Source

Solar and Renewable Energy Developments

On June 20, at the "Promoting High-Quality Development" themed press conference, Li Chuangjun, Director of the New Energy and Renewable Energy Department of the National Energy Administration (NEA), addressed the fierce competition within China's photovoltaic (PV) industry. To foster healthy industry growth, the NEA will implement several measures. These include balancing centralized and distributed PV development, enhancing the construction of large-scale wind and PV bases in desert regions, and accelerating the development of a new energy infrastructure network to support PV integration.

Additionally, the NEA will improve inter-departmental coordination to regulate the PV industry's order, timely release information on industry scale and market demand, and continuously advance PV technology innovation through strengthened industry standards. Source

Energy Efficiency and Carbon Reduction Plans

On June 18, at a press conference, Li Chao, Deputy Director of the Policy Research Office and spokesperson of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), announced upcoming specialized energy-saving and carbon-reduction action plans. These plans target key industries such as electrolytic aluminum, data centers, and coal power, aligning with the goals of the 14th Five-Year Plan.

The NDRC has submitted the "2024-2025 Energy-Saving and Carbon-Reduction Action Plan" to the State Council and issued initial plans for steel, refining, ammonia synthesis, and cement industries. Future efforts will include efficiency diagnostics, technology upgrades, and ongoing advancements in energy-saving and carbon-reduction across industrial, construction, and transportation sectors. Source

Climate Investment Standards and Certifications

The Shenzhen Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau has introduced China's first local standard for climate investment with the approval of the "Climate Investment and Financing Project Classification and Evaluation Standards." Set to be implemented on July 1, the Standards aim to guide climate-related investments using a "2+3+4+5" classification and evaluation system:

  1. Two Major Categories: Projects are divided into those that mitigate climate change (e.g., low-carbon energy, industrial processes, transportation, building, agriculture, waste resource utilization, ecosystem carbon sinks, and low-carbon technology services) and those that adapt to climate change (e.g., climate monitoring, natural ecosystem adaptation, and economic/social system adaptation).
  2. Three Project Levels: Projects are categorized into incubation, development, and promotion levels, based on their compliance and comprehensive evaluation scores. Projects advancing to development must score at least 70 points, while promotion projects require expert validation for significant innovation or impact.
  3. Four Evaluation Indicators: These include climate benefit significance (mandatory), economic benefit, social benefit, and other environmental benefits. Economic benefit assessments focus on investment efficiency and internal financial returns, while social and other environmental benefits consider local economic and social impact, environmental protection, and resource utilization.
  4. Five Local Industry Inclusions: Reflecting Shenzhen's industrial strengths, the standards include low-carbon technology manufacturing, trade, consumption, information infrastructure, and traditional energy-saving projects, encouraging digital and intelligent transformations towards green practices.

Projects are categorized into those mitigating or adapting to climate change, with three project levels (incubation, development, promotion) and four evaluation indicators (climate benefit, economic benefit, social benefit, and environmental benefit). The Standards also incorporate five local industry sectors, encouraging digital and green transformations. Source

We hope you find this newsletter informative.

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