China achieves breakthrough in hydrogen-coal co-combustion technology

China has achieved a major breakthrough in low-carbon hydrogen–coal co-combustion technology, successfully developing a system that enables a 50% green hydrogen co-firing ratio and even 100% pure hydrogen combustion for the first time.

According to a report from China Energy Group, the technology uses a fully self-developed hydrogen–coal mixed low-nitrogen burner, along with a comprehensive safety protection system covering the entire process from hydrogen transport to furnace combustion.

This allows hydrogen and pulverized coal to be fully mixed and burned inside the boiler. On the test platform, a hydrogen blending ratio of 50% by heat value was achieved.

When green hydrogen is used, this translates into a 50% reduction in coal consumption and carbon emissions, while effectively controlling nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, China Media Group reported.

China operates the world's largest installed coal-fired power capacity. Industry analysts point out that the low-carbon transformation of the coal power sector is of great practical significance for meeting the country's "dual carbon" goals – peaking carbon emissions before 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality before 2060.

The breakthrough validates a promising technological pathway for significantly cutting carbon emissions from coal-fired power units in the future.

It is also highly important for advancing the green, low-carbon transformation of China's coal power industry and promoting the integrated development of coal power with new energy sources.

According to the China Hydrogen Energy Development Report released last year by the National Energy Administration, China's hydrogen energy industry is moving from a trial exploration stage into a new phase of orderly development and innovation-driven breakthroughs.

(Cover via VCG)