国际氢能燃料电池协会

On November 13, 2024, during the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29), the side event titled “Hydrogen Powering Climate Action: Towards a Clean Energy Future with Net-Zero Emissions” was successfully held at the “China Pavilion.” This event was co-hosted by the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA), Sinopec Group, and the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (FECO), with support from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) Beijing office. The side event aimed to facilitate dialogue on global hydrogen development trends, showcase China’s innovative practices in hydrogen energy, present China’s green and low-carbon development story, and advance the safe, efficient, and sustainable growth of hydrogen energy along with international cooperation. The event attracted representatives from government agencies, research institutions, enterprises, NGOs, and media, along with over 100 international attendees.

During the event, Ms. Wang Ju, Secretary-General of IHFCA, released the report named IHFCA Green Hydrogen Economy Insight. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future trends of green hydrogen technology, underscoring its role as a pivotal solution in the global energy transition. It covers the entire green hydrogen value chain, including production, storage, transportation, and applications, with a particular focus on technological innovation, infrastructure development for storage and transportation, and economic viability assessment. This research offers practical guidance to policymakers, investors, and industry experts, helping address key issues in the hydrogen industry, such as technological bottlenecks, cost control, and the need for stronger policy support.

The event was co-chaired by Mr. Li Yonghong, Acting Director General, Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO), Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China, and Mr. Kuang Chengcheng, Deputy Director of refining and Chemical Safety of Sinopec Group, Deputy General Manager of Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Department. During the opening remarks, Vice Minister of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment, Zhao Yingmin; UNIDO’s Deputy Director General, Zou Ciyong; and Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Energy and the CEO of COP29, Elnur Soltanov, each delivered speeches. Zhao Yingmin discussed China’s policies and practical achievements in energy transition, especially hydrogen development. He highlighted that China is now the world’s largest hydrogen producer and consumer, and with the recent enactment of its first Energy Law, hydrogen has officially been integrated into the national energy management system. China will further leverage hydrogen to support its carbon peaking and neutrality goals, promoting energy transition in end-use sectors like transportation and industry and fostering green, low-carbon growth in high-energy-consuming and high-emission industries. Zou Ciyong shared UNIDO’s progress in advancing hydrogen development in China from the perspective of industrialization and sustainable development. Elnur Soltanov commended China’s pioneering role in low-carbon energy transition and green hydrogen, calling for the optimized use of existing infrastructure to expedite green hydrogen supply, focus on downstream industries such as green hydrogen storage and transportation, and emphasize the importance of public support.

During the keynote session, prominent speakers including Gu Shengzu, Vice Chairman of the 13th National Committee of the CPPCC, Academician of the International Eurasian Academy of Sciences; Ma Yongsheng, Chairman of Sinopec Group, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering; Daria Nochevnik, Director of Policy and Partnerships at the Hydrogen Council; Peter Bakker, President & CEO of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD); and Fred Krupp, President of the Environmental Defense Fund, engaged in in-depth discussions on major topics related to the hydrogen industry. These included addressing the climate crisis and energy transition, an overview of global hydrogen’s green and low-carbon development, practices for high-quality hydrogen industry development, the role of the business community in decarbonization, and maximizing the climate benefits of hydrogen systems.

Gu Shengzu emphasized that addressing climate change is the greatest common interest and optimal entry point for cooperation among nations today, fundamentally requiring a shift to low-carbon energy, with hydrogen as a key enabler. He suggested building an international cooperation framework, conducting thorough assessments of hydrogen’s development potential, continuously improving international hydrogen standards, and encouraging developing countries to foster hydrogen industries and engage in technology transfer and collaborative R&D. Ma Yongsheng advocated for enhanced industry cooperation, open innovation, and trade connectivity. He proposed joint efforts to establish high-impact, economically viable hydrogen projects with strong demonstration effects, undertake collaborative breakthroughs in key equipment and materials, and align with international trade rules and standards. Sinopec is committed to working closely with global hydrogen industry and technology communities to co-create a hydrogen ecosystem and embrace the “hydrogen era.” Peter Bakker highlighted the indispensable positive role of businesses in the decarbonization process, while Fred Krupp stressed the urgency and necessity of maximizing hydrogen’s climate benefits across production, utilization, and management. Daria Nochevnik offered a review and outlook on global hydrogen industry development.

In addition to the release of the IHFCA Green Hydrogen Economy Insight, Ms. Wang Yuyi, Division Director, Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center (FECO), MEE of China, unveiled the Progress Report on Implementation of the COP28 International Cooperation Initiative "Safe, Climate Beneficial and Sustainable Development of Hydrogen Energy".

The final panel discussion session, moderated by Professor Yang Fuyuan from Tsinghua University, featured a discussion on “Clean Energy Towards Net-Zero Emissions: Hydrogen's Practice and Prospects.” Participants included Benny Oeyen, Executive Head of Market Development PGMs, Anglo American; Qian Wenbing, Vice President for Clean Hydrogen at Linde Gases; Pan Lingyong, Deputy General Manager, Sinopec Oilfield Equipment Corporation; Ma Jingnan, Vice President of REFIRE Group; and Yao Changcheng, CEO of HydoTech. Experts from the hydrogen sector shared experiences in developing green hydrogen in China and globally, and they discussed hydrogen’s potential in climate action from the perspectives of policy, standards, technology, and industry.

This side event showcased China’s innovations and achievements in the hydrogen sector, offering valuable insights and experiences for the safe, efficient, and sustainable development and international cooperation of the global hydrogen industry. As an international organization headquartered in China, IHFCA will continue to drive the advancement and application of hydrogen technologies, contributing to the realization of global carbon neutrality goals.