As the global community gravitates towards cleaner energy solutions, hydrogen power is taking center stage. In a significant demonstration of its potential, China-manufactured hydrogen refueling equipment is powering the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, serving as the energy source for hydrogen vehicles transporting athletes between competition venues.
“This batch of equipment is indeed distinctive. It not only meets China’s technical standards but has also obtained European certification,” said Liu Xing, vice president of the company producing the equipment.
Headquartered in Chengdu, in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, Houpu Clean Energy Group previously supplied similar equipment and co-built hydrogen stations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the Chengdu Universiade. Liu shared that their experience in supporting major sporting events and extensive service and operational data have bolstered their credibility with clients.
At the company’s headquarters, more hydrogen refueling equipment sets are being assembled and tested before export to Canada, Australia, and France. The company reports that it has produced and supplied over 100 such sets to hydrogen stations worldwide.
“Developed countries share the same high level of awareness and commitment to green energy and low-carbon practices as China does,” Liu said, noting that Europe’s advanced development in hydrogen energy is bringing the company a steady stream of orders.
Hydrogen Energy Transforming Transportation
Hydrogen energy is seen as key to the green transition in the transportation sector, which is responsible for a significant share of global carbon dioxide emissions. The high energy demands of heavy-duty, long-haul transportation make the industry especially suitable for conversion to hydrogen energy. However, the path to widespread commercial application faces challenges.
“The application of hydrogen energy in rail transit, such as converting from oil to hydrogen, is technically mature and poses no issues in engineering application. But there’s a need to strengthen our technical specifications, standards, and management measures,” said Chen Weirong, an academic at the Russia Academy of Engineering and dean of the hydrogen energy and hydrogen storage technology research institute at Southwest Jiaotong University.
Chen emphasized that basic infrastructure, like hydrogen refueling facilities, requires further enhancement. To foster the broad adoption of hydrogen energy, more policies are being discussed at provincial and local levels. In Sichuan Province, hydrogen-powered vehicles equipped with electronic toll collection devices are expected to be exempt from expressway tolls.
Companies say that favorable policies, coupled with promising market demand, add significant momentum to their investments in research and development, which in turn contributes to global carbon neutrality goals.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
