China’s Push for Green Hydrogen and Sustainable Fuels
China’s State Power Investment Corp (SPIC) is set to invest $5.85 billion in northeast China, focusing on the production of fuel from green hydrogen generated through wind power. The ambitious plan includes a 3.5 gigawatt wind power plant, a 164,000 metric ton per year hydrogen production facility, and additional units for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and methanol.
Project Location and Components
The projects will be located in Qiqihaer city, Heilongjiang province. The city’s official WeChat platform reported that the plan encompasses a 10,000-tpy pilot plant for SAF using wind power-based hydrogen technology developed by Tsing Energy Development Co. This pioneering project is positioned as the first of its kind in China.
Timeline and Technological Innovations
While the report did not specify the timeline for constructing these facilities, a senior Chinese industry executive, requesting anonymity, revealed to Reuters that the SAF plant is expected to produce its first fuel by late 2025. The technology involves blending hydrogen with carbon dioxide derived from corn-based ethanol.
Expansion Plans and SPIC’s Renewable Energy Portfolio
Upon the success of the pilot project, SPIC aims to expand the SAF production to 400,000 tons annually by around 2030. The state-run company, with the largest renewable resources among China’s state utilities, presently operates a total of 160 GW installed clean power capacity.
A SPIC representative confirmed the city government’s report but refrained from commenting on the specific timelines for project construction. As China continues its commitment to clean energy, this strategic investment underscores the nation’s determination to embrace green hydrogen and sustainable fuels for a more eco-friendly future.
Source: channelnewsasia.com
