Diverse Application Scenarios Usher in a New Era of Hydrogen Living in Shandong

In recent years, Shandong has made significant strides in the full-chain development of the hydrogen energy industry, establishing itself as a national leader in this field. Since 2021, spearheaded by the National Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Center, Shandong has vigorously implemented the "Hydrogen for All" technology demonstration project. This initiative has comprehensively expanded and strengthened the hydrogen energy industry, transitioning hydrogen from the laboratory to the production line, and then into everyday life by creating diverse application scenarios, thus ushering in a new era of hydrogen living.

On the highways, hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are becoming a striking feature. From the bustling city bus routes to heavy-duty logistics transportation and intercity passenger lines, hydrogen vehicles are flourishing. By the end of 2024, Shandong had promoted over 2,041 hydrogen fuel cell buses, coaches, heavy-duty tractors, and light truck logistics vehicles nationwide. The public transportation sector has seen a significant proportion of these vehicles, providing green travel options for urban residents and serving thousands of passengers daily. For instance, the 12-meter hydrogen fuel cell buses consume only 3.6 kg of hydrogen per 100 kilometers under full load, leading internationally in comprehensive performance. The 49-ton hydrogen fuel cell heavy-duty trucks have covered a total distance of over 1.08 million kilometers with a hydrogen consumption of only 8.81 kg per 100 kilometers during long-haul and high-load operations. Moreover, the 80kW fuel cell engine was first used in port terminal vehicles, consuming 8.51 kg of hydrogen per 100 kilometers in actual operations, and achieving a first-failure mileage of over 18,000 kilometers.

Additionally, the world's first hydrogen fuel cell ski-waxing vehicle successfully served the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, showcasing the unique appeal of hydrogen energy in specialized vehicles.

In terms of water transportation, innovative achievements are equally impressive. China's first 80-passenger hydrogen fuel cell passenger ship was launched in the Xueye Lake of Laiwu, Jinan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in zero-carbon shipping.

Furthermore, the construction of infrastructure surrounding these applications is steadily progressing, with iconic projects like "hydrogen highways" and "hydrogen ports" emerging. Along the Jinan-Qingdao Expressway, a series of hydrogen refueling stations have been established, pioneering a new business model for highway hydrogen supply. Strategies for automatic identification of hydrogen vehicle license plates have been developed, promoting free passage for hydrogen vehicles on highways and successfully opening the China's first "hydrogen highway".

At Qingdao Port, a hydrogen supply system has been established, including the construction of China’s first fully qualified port hydrogen refueling station, demonstrating the use of 50 hydrogen vehicles at the port. Additionally, 6 hydrogen vehicles have been deployed at Weifang Port. These exemplary applications are solidifying the path of hydrogen energy transformation in the transportation sector.

Beyond transportation, Shandong is also committed to exploring the unlimited potential of hydrogen energy in integrated energy supply.

At Qingdao Port, the world-first development of hydrogen-electricity coupled DC microgrid rail-mounted gantry crane enables 12-hour uninterrupted operation, creating a new mode for large-scale port machinery equipment with multi-energy complementary and independent energy supply, injecting new momentum into the construction of "China's Hydrogen Ports".

In industrial park settings, hydrogen energy parks are thriving across the region. For instance, the hydrogen energy park in Weifang has successfully demonstrated a 50-kilowatt combined heat and power supply system, making energy supply within the park greener and more efficient.

The Dongyue Group's Hydrogen Energy Park Demonstration Center has seen the initial operation of AEM pilot equipment for hydrogen production by water electrolysis, and a 2.5 MW rooftop photovoltaic project has begun, steadily supplying the park with clean energy.

At the community level, the integration of technologies such as photovoltaic hydrogen production and combined heat and power allows ordinary residents to enjoy the convenience and cleanliness brought by hydrogen energy. In Weifang, China's first urban gas hydrogen transmission pipeline designed and constructed according to urban natural gas standards has received approval from industry authorities and will begin construction soon.

This series of initiatives not only verifies the feasibility of hydrogen energy in multi-energy complementary and distributed energy supply but also outlines a clear blueprint for the future construction of a novel energy system centered on hydrogen, thus bringing hydrogen energy into households and integrating it into various aspects of daily life.