China Leading Global Electrolyser Installations for Green Hydrogen Production
Key Ideas
- China is projected to account for nearly 70% of global electrolyser installations in 2024, facilitating the production of low-emissions green hydrogen.
- Global electrolyser capacity is expected to increase from 1.4 GW in 2023 to 5 GW by the end of 2024, driven by Chinese projects and expanding manufacturing capabilities.
- Despite the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Europe and the Middle East, Chinese-manufactured electrolysers faced exclusion from an EU auction to reduce competition.
- Concerns about overcapacity in China's hydrogen industry have been raised, emphasizing the need for balanced development across storage, transportation, and production sectors.
According to the International Energy Agency’s Global Hydrogen Review 2024, China is poised to dominate global electrolyser installations in 2024, with almost 70% of the projected capacity. Electrolysers play a crucial role in producing 'green' hydrogen by splitting water using electricity. By the end of 2023, the global electrolyser capacity had grown to 1.4 GW, with estimates suggesting a rise to 5 GW by the end of 2024, primarily due to Chinese ventures. Despite the strong global demand for hydrogen, green hydrogen production remains below 1 million tonnes, with most supply still relying on 'grey' hydrogen from fossil fuels. Green hydrogen in China makes up only 1% of total production.
The IEA report highlights that 60% of the world's electrolyser manufacturing capacity is currently in China. The country's increasing production capabilities are expected to lower electrolyser costs, similar to trends seen in solar photovoltaic and battery industries. While China's hydrogen industry is forecasted to grow rapidly, concerns about potential overcapacity arise due to slow infrastructure development and weak consumption demand.
China has witnessed a surge in hydrogen electrolyser exports, driven by demand for sustainable solutions in Europe and the Middle East. However, the European Union's decision to exclude Chinese-manufactured electrolysers from an upcoming auction to mitigate competition signals potential challenges. Industry experts express concerns about the unbalanced development of China’s hydrogen industry, emphasizing the need for more attention to hydrogen storage and transportation infrastructure.
To address worries about overcapacity, industry insiders clarify that the planned capacity may not necessarily translate into actual output. Manufacturers are cautious and only produce when there are confirmed orders, given the bespoke nature of electrolyser equipment. As China navigates its path towards a green hydrogen economy, the industry faces challenges but also opportunities for sustainable growth.