Work

Decoding China's hydrogen development: A content analysis of policy objectives and instruments

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: China has positioned hydrogen energy as pivotal for future energy security and has rapidly emerged as a major global producer of hydrogen. Understanding how the Chinese government fosters hydrogen energy development remains complex. This study addresses this gap by scrutinizing 184 policy texts from 2016 to July 2023 using a “policy objective-policy instrument” framework. The analysis reveals a dynamic and evolving landscape of policy support. The government has established an industrialization-oriented policy objective system, prioritizing binding, safeguarding, and short-term support instruments. A case study of the Pearl River Delta region illustrates how local governments maneuver within the national macro-policy framework while retaining flexibility and autonomy in their interventions. However, there is still a crucial gap in intrinsically driven policy support. To bridge this gap, we propose a balanced approach to policy objectives, an optimal blend of instruments, and enhanced policy collaboration among government actors at all levels. Addressing these challenges is imperative for China to fully unleash the transformative potential of hydrogen energy and cement its position as a global leader in this burgeoning sector.

Source: Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2025.115729

Authors: Xihuan Zeng, Qinxu Huang, Yongzhang Liu, Quande Qin

Institutions: Shenzhen University, Macao Polytechnic University

Language: English

Topic: Global Energy Security and Policy

Subfield: General Energy

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,220