UNDP lauds hydrogen's role in China's green energy transformation

China's commitment to hydrogen energy is being hailed by international observers, who are pointing to the nation's progress as a key driver for its sustainable development goals, highlighting the nation's significant achievements in technology and infrastructure.

Ambitious trajectories in developing hydrogen have been set in China, as the country works towards its carbon peaking and neutrality goals, said James George, deputy resident representative of UNDP China.

All these efforts will play a key role in supporting China's green energy transformation and achieving its carbon peaking and neutrality goals, he said.

Speaking at the 2025 International Hydrogen Energy Conference and Exhibition in Beijing in March, George highlighted China's existing status as possessing the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling stations as evidence of its robust development.

"China owns the world's largest fleet of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen refueling infrastructure — achievements made possible by the collective efforts of all stakeholders," he said.

The UNDP official emphasized that China's ambitious hydrogen development targets, outlined in its 2021-35 plan, are crucial for supporting the country's broader green energy transition and its dual carbon goals.

These goals include establishing a comprehensive hydrogen industry system by 2025, achieving an orderly industrial layout by 2030, and significantly increasing the proportion of renewable hydrogen in energy consumption by 2035.

"These efforts will play a key role in supporting China's green energy transformation and achieving its dual carbon goals of the country's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals," George said.

UNDP has been a long-term partner in China's hydrogen journey, collaborating with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the China Hydrogen Alliance since 2003 to advance fuel cell vehicle demonstrations and technological innovation.

George pointed to the Inner Mongolia autonomous region's rapid expansion in renewable hydrogen production capacity, which houses the world's biggest project using solar and wind power to produce hydrogen, as a positive sign of progress.

He said the project provided a base for capacity building, and that the lessons coming from it will have global application.

While acknowledging remaining challenges such as fragmented global standards and the need for workforce readiness, George underscored UNDP's commitment to supporting the full-chain development of China's green hydrogen industry.