Diplomats Explore GD: Feel the Speed of Chinese Hydrogen Energy Development in Foshan

The cluster of hydrogen energy industry looks awesome and China has been advanced in the development of hydrogen energy industry, remarked Kiribati Ambassador David Ateti Teaabo after a day’s visit to Foshan City.

On January 16, 2024, “Diplomats Explore China: A Tour of Guangdong” reached Nanhai District of Foshan City, Guangdong Province. As an event guided by CICG, it is co-organized by Beijing Service Bureau for Diplomatic Missions, International Communication Cooperation Department under the China Center for International Economic Exchanges, CICG Center for Europe and Asia and Xinhua Institute. Diplomats from nearly 40 countries in China walked through the streets of the “Hydrogen Energy City of China” to feel the speedy development of the sector starting from scratch to catching up and leading the way.

With its abundant sources, green and low-carbon characteristics, as well as wide application, hydrogen energy industry has become an important choice for global green transformation and cultivation of new growth boosters. As one of the most important suppliers and consumption markets for green hydrogen energy, China’s hydrogen energy industry has attracted wide attention. In recent years, many places in the country have launched support measures to boost the development of the industry. At present, the industry has been showing a cluster development trend in Yangtze River Delta, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (the Greater Bay Area), and the Bohai Rim.

Foshan’s Nanhai District is one of the early explorers and developers of the hydrogen energy industry in China. Starting with the introduction of the Guangshun New Energy’s fuel cell air compressor production project in 2009, and marked by the inclusion in the promotion of commercialization project for fuel cell vehicles in China in 2014, and the introduction of the Nanhai’s promotion measures for the development of new energy vehicles industry in 2017, the hydrogen energy industry has become an important part of the modern industrial system in Nanhai and provided strong support for Nanhai to become a pioneering area for the nation’s hydrogen energy industry. At the 2023 World Hydrogen Technology Convention, Nanhai was recognized as the “Hydrogen Industry Capital of China.”

The Foshan Xianhu Laboratory stands as a provincial-level facility strategically developed in Guangdong Province. Its primary focus lies in the research, development, and industrialization of crucial materials and core technologies within the hydrogen and hydrogen-ammonia energy. By building up national strategic scientific and technological capabilities in the areas of key material for hydrogen and hydrogen-ammonia energy, along with transportation equipment and high-temperature industrial carbon neutralization, the laboratory has emerged as a pivotal part of the international science and technology innovation center of the Greater Bay Area.

Minister Counsellor Sittikorn Chantadansuwan from the Embassy of Thailand in China remarked that green energy plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, and he noted China’s leading position in this field. Reflecting on their visit to the Foshan Xianhu Laboratory that day, he expressed gaining valuable insights into cutting-edge hydrogen energy technologies and witnessing their applications in daily life. Chantadansuwan underscored Thailand’s dedication to keeping pace with developments in this area.

The Nanhai (Foshan) Hydrogen Energy Exhibition Hall stands as a thematic hub, focusing on hydrogen energy and its industrialization. With a global outlook and rooted in Nanhai District, it keenly centers on advancing the hydrogen energy industry. The pavilion boasts seven exhibition zones, offering a comprehensive showcase of hydrogen technology and diverse aspects of hydrogen-powered lifestyles. Serving as a window into Nanhai Distrct’s distinctive hydrogen energy industry, it doubles as a center for hydrogen energy promotion. During their visit, diplomats not only delved into the developmental trajectory and practical applications of the hydrogen energy industry but also immersed themselves in firsthand experiences, highlighting the convenience that hydrogen energy brings to daily life.

Ambassador David Ateti Teaabo from Kiribati to China remarked that it’s evident today that China has strategically prioritized the development of its hydrogen energy industry. He stressed that China has not only advocated for the idea of green development but also effectively translated them into actions. This has been his foremost impression during the tour of the Nanhai (Foshan) Hydrogen Energy Exhibition Hall.

Ambassador Ian J. Marshall from Grenada remarked that he had been actively following the advancements in hydrogen energy technology and had witnessed notable progress in related fields. He mentioned finding the substantial leap in the utilization and control of hydrogen as a new energy source truly impressive. According to him, the process of converting waste into ammonia-hydrogen and then into hydrogen gas is particularly intriguing. During his visit to the Nanhai (Foshan) Hydrogen Energy Exhibition Hall, he was delighted to see various buses and trucks powered by hydrogen fuel, which he described as nothing short of remarkable. The ambassador expressed heartfelt appreciation for Chinese engineers and scientists, acknowledging their significant step in utilizing this technology to reduce costs, alleviate environmental pressures, and contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.

In the afternoon, diplomats visited the Nanhai Solid Waste Treatment and Environmental Protection Industrial Park operated by Grandblue Environment Co., Ltd. to explore the Grandblue Model, an innovative approach facilitating the creation of a “waste-free city.” This park covers an area of approximately 460 acres and has taken the lead in establishing China’s first solid waste recycling industrial park that achieves 100 percent collaborative processing from source to end. This model effectively reduces energy consumption and final pollutant emissions, enhances resource utilization and operational management efficiency, while saving land resources and investment costs.

The delegation then visited Grandblue’s biogas hydrogen production project, located within the Shishan LNG Storage and Distribution Station of Foshan Nanhai Gas Development Co., Ltd. This project, benefiting from abundant biogas resources, boasts a hydrogen production capacity of 3,000 cubic meters per hour. It generates about six tons of hydrogen daily and 2,200 tons annually. The project has implemented an integrated model encompassing hydrogen production, hydrogenation, and utilization, effectively addressing Foshan’s hydrogen supply challenges.

“Green energy is urgently needed globally, particularly in the face of climate change challenges. I come from a small island country among the first impacted by climate change. We have witnessed international endeavors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through advanced technology. Guangdong’s efforts are commendable. Addressing global climate change is in the interest of everyone and requires our collective efforts,” said Samoan Ambassador to China Luamanuvae A. Mariner.

From humble beginnings to leading the way, the hydrogen industry in the Nanhai district is rapidly advancing. Diplomats said they were impressed by the “Chinese speed” in the development of the hydrogen industry.