China building the world's biggest hydrogen-based closed-loop power system
China's Groundbreaking Hydrogen Turbine Project in Inner Mongolia
China is pushing forward with a significant hydrogen turbine project in Ordos, Inner Mongolia, marking a world-first achievement for a project of this scale[1][3][5]. The facility, located in the Otoke High-Tech Industrial Development Zone, is set to revolutionize renewable energy storage and generation[2].
The project encompasses a 30MW hydrogen turbine, paired with a substantial 500MW wind capacity, 240MW electrolysers capable of producing approximately 4.3 tonnes of hydrogen per hour, a 5MW off-grid photovoltaic array, and massive spherical storage tanks, each with a capacity of 1,875 cubic meters[1]. This integrated setup allows excess renewable energy to be stored as hydrogen and reconverted to electricity on demand, addressing renewable intermittency challenges[3].
The hydrogen produced will also serve as a byproduct, with the facility aiming to produce 150,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually[1]. This project is a crucial step towards China's goal of becoming a world leader in clean energy by building a comprehensive green hydrogen ecosystem[6].
The project is a joint endeavour between Mingyang Hydrogen (a subsidiary of Mingyang Smart Energy) and Shenzhen Energy[3]. Inner Mongolia is also home to other large-scale hydrogen initiatives, such as Sinopec's $6 billion green hydrogen plant targeting 400,000 tonnes annual production by 2028, and other projects by China Energy Investment Corporation focused on green hydrogen-to-ammonia production[2][4].
This project is highly significant for Inner Mongolia's hydrogen energy plans because it positions the region as a national hydrogen energy demonstration hub and a leader in green energy innovation[3]. The turbine will run solely on hydrogen, marking a world-first achievement for a project of this scale and demonstrating the viability of large-scale hydrogen-fired generation[5].
The facility will help to stabilise supply and address grid intermittency, playing a key role in China's ambitious hydrogen economy and carbon neutrality goals by 2060[1][3]. This hydrogen turbine project thus serves both as a technological breakthrough in renewable energy storage and a cornerstone for Inner Mongolia’s role in China’s emerging hydrogen economy[1][3][4].
| Aspect | Details | |----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------| | Location | Ordos, Inner Mongolia, China | | Project scope | 30MW 100% hydrogen turbine integrated with renewables | | Renewable capacity included| 500MW wind, 240MW electrolyzers, 5MW photovoltaic | | Hydrogen production | ~4.3 tonnes per hour | | Storage capacity | Multiple large tanks (1,875 cubic meters each) | | Byproduct | 150,000 tonnes green ammonia annually | | Strategic significance | Demonstrates viability of hydrogen energy, supports China's goal of carbon neutrality, and boosts Inner Mongolia as a hydrogen hub | | Related projects | Sinopec $6B green hydrogen plant (400,000 tonnes/year), China Energy Investment Corp’s hydrogen-to-ammonia project |
Under its "dual carbon" strategy, China aims to achieve peak carbon emissions by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2060[7]. This hydrogen turbine project is a testament to China's commitment to clean energy and its ambition to lead the world in this critical area.
References: [1] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-worlds-largest-hydrogen-turbine-project-2021-09-30/ [2] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-6-billion-green-hydrogen-plant-2021-06-07/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-worlds-largest-hydrogen-turbine-project-2021-09-30/ [4] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-worlds-largest-hydrogen-turbine-project-2021-09-30/ [5] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-worlds-largest-hydrogen-turbine-project-2021-09-30/ [6] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-develop-green-hydrogen-industry-2021-11-04/ [7] https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/china-to-build-worlds-largest-hydrogen-turbine-project-2021-09-30/
- China's groundbreaking hydrogen turbine project in Inner Mongolia, demonstrating innovation in renewable energy, will significantly contribute to the finance sector, as it is a crucial step towards China's goal of becoming a world leader in clean energy and carbon neutrality.
- Cybersecurity will play a vital role in the success of the hydrogen turbine project in Inner Mongolia, as the facility's integrated system, including wind, electrolyzers, photovoltaic, and hydrogen storage, is a prime target for potential cyber threats in the growing hydrogen energy industry.
- The hydrogen turbine project in Inner Mongolia's utility-scale renewable energy landscape underscores the importance of effective collaboration between the industry and finance sectors, as it signals a global shift towards sustainable and innovative energy solutions, such as green energy storage, production, and utilization.
