China's hydrogen tech boosts Paris Olympics' carbon goals

As the world turns to cleaner energy solutions, hydrogen power has been put into the spotlight. In a significant showcase of its potential, China-manufactured hydrogen refueling equipment has played a pivotal role at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. These installations are now the energy source for hydrogen vehicles transporting athletes to and from competition venues.

"This batch of equipment is indeed distinctive. They not only meet China's technical standards but have also obtained European certification," said Liu Xing, vice president of the company that produces the equipment.

Headquartered in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, Houpu Clean Energy Group had supplied similar equipment and jointly built hydrogen stations for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games and the Chengdu Universiade.

Liu told CGTN that previous experience in supplying major sporting events as well as years of service and operation data helped them gain credibility from their clients.

At the company's headquarters, more hydrogen refueling equipment sets are being assembled and tested before they are exported to Canada, Australia and France. The company said that the facility has produced and supplied more than 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, adding that the advanced development of hydrogen energy in Europe is bringing the company a steady stream of orders.

Hydrogen energy for transportation sector

Hydrogen energy is seen as key to the green transition in the transportation sector, which is responsible for the second or third largest share of carbon dioxide emissions globally.

Given the high energy demands of heavy-duty, long-haul transportation, the industry is especially well-suited for conversion to hydrogen energy. But the path to widespread commercial application is lined with challenges.

"Hydrogen energy's application 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, who is also the dean of the hydrogen energy and hydrogen storage technology research institute at Southwest Jiaotong University.

"Basic infrastructure, like hydrogen refueling facilities, requires further enhancement," Chen said.

To foster the broad adoption of hydrogen energy, more policies are being discussed at the provincial and local levels. In Sichuan Province, hydrogen-powered vehicles, fitted with electronic toll collection devices, are expected to be exempt from expressway tolls.

Companies say favorable policies, coupled with promising market demand, add significant momentum to their investments in research and development, which in turn will contribute to the world's carbon neutrality goals.

(Videographer: Qiu Jianfeng)