China Overtakes Japan in Green Hydrogen Innovation and Patents

China has surpassed Japan in green hydrogen patents, leading the sector with aggressive investments and a national strategy that exceeds production targets. Researchers note that without increased investments from other countries, China may dominate the hydrogen vehicle supply chain, similar to its electric vehicle industry.

The race in green hydrogen innovation has taken a notable turn, with China leading the charge. It has surpassed Japan in low-carbon hydrogen-related patents, according to research by Astamuse. This development signals a shift in the clean energy landscape, as Chinese companies are making massive investments to outpace their competitors, particularly in the hydrogen sector.

Astamuse’s comprehensive analysis of 180,000 patents for green hydrogen from 2013 to 2022 reveals that Chinese firms have ranked first in overall competitiveness, excelling in production, storage, transport, and safety management. Just a few years ago, a similar analysis of 140,000 patents from 2011 to 2020 showed Japan in the top spot. But since 2020, when China set its carbon peak targets, it has doubled its annual patent filings in this field.

A significant development occurred in 2022 when China rolled out a national hydrogen strategy, elevating hydrogen to a level akin to renewable energy. This ambitious plan set a production target of 100,000–200,000 tons of green hydrogen by 2025. Interestingly, China has already surpassed those projections, showcasing its rapid progression compared to Japan, which initiated its hydrogen strategy earlier.

Moreover, this surge in patent filings has led to significant cost reductions in hydrogen production equipment in China, decreasing prices to about 25% of those in Europe. This advantage in cost has stimulated local demand, with the International Energy Agency indicating that China now holds a whopping 30% of the global hydrogen market.

Adding to this trend, Chinese solar companies are making moves in the hydrogen market. Experts like Zhang Xiaoguang from the Daiwa Research Institute note that these firms are not just seeking immediate profits; they are focused on expanding their capacities to capture more market share in green hydrogen. Firms such as LONGi and Sungrow are leveraging their strengths in established sectors like solar and wind to make inroads into hydrogen.

This momentum might soon affect the hydrogen vehicle market. Toyota’s Hydrogen Business Unit president, Mitsumasa Yamagata, warns that China is already ahead in hydrogen truck infrastructure, with hydrogen fuel costs significantly lower than those in Japan. If other nations do not ramp up investments, China could end up monopolizing the hydrogen vehicle supply chain, mirroring its position in the electric vehicle sector.

In response to these developments, Japan is offering subsidies aimed at bridging the cost differences between hydrogen and fossil fuels. The country is also joining forces with the United States and South Korea to collaborate on advanced hydrogen technologies. Meanwhile, the European Union is considering restrictions on the use of Chinese components in hydrogen projects to protect its domestic markets.

In summary, China’s rapid advancements in the green hydrogen sector are reshaping the global energy landscape, as it overtakes Japan in patent filings and production capabilities. With aggressive investments and a solid national strategy, Chinese firms are positioning themselves at the forefront of hydrogen technology. Japan, while trying to keep pace through subsidies and collaborations, faces a looming risk of falling behind unless substantial efforts are made to boost its hydrogen industry.

Original Source: reccessary.com