Chongqing - On January 22, Chongqing launched its hydrogen industry ecosystem alliance and revealed plans for a high-speed hydrogen corridor, developed in collaboration with Sichuan and Hubei provinces.
This initiative is part of Chongqing's broader efforts to strengthen its hydrogen industry. As part of these efforts, the city announced 37 new projects valued at over 8.3 billion yuan (about 1.2 billion U.S. dollars) to advance hydrogen energy infrastructure and technology across the region.
These hydrogen-related projects cover the entire industry value chain, from production and storage to transportation and utilization. For instance, Chongqing Machinery and Electronics Group will lead the development of cutting-edge hydrogen storage technologies, including organic liquid hydrogen and magnesium-based solid-state storage. Qingling Group plans to roll out 1,500 hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks and 650 light-duty trucks across the Chengdu-Chongqing region, as well as in Xinjiang and Hubei.
The hydrogen-powered logistics vehicle enters an integrated refueling station. (Photo/Chongqing Daily)
One of the key projects is the high-speed hydrogen corridor agreement, signed by the three provinces, which aims to establish hydrogen refueling infrastructure along the Chengdu-Chongqing and Chongqing-Hubei section of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. This agreement signals a shift from isolated regional efforts to a more coordinated, multi-regional approach that will facilitate the integration of transportation networks and bolster the growth of the hydrogen energy industry.
Looking ahead, the hydrogen corridor will focus on key highways and the development of hydrogen refueling stations. With large-scale freight demonstrations as a priority, the goal is to create an advanced infrastructure and innovation ecosystem that will drive significant progress in hydrogen energy.
As of now, Chongqing's state-owned enterprises have committed to 10 national key projects totaling 6.3 billion yuan in investment. 14 hydrogen energy integration innovation projects have been launched, with an investment of 1.6 billion yuan in the sector.
In terms of infrastructure, Chongqing has launched a digital platform for hydrogen transport intelligence that connects 197 service areas and charging stations along the city's highways. The platform already tracks data from 134 registered hydrogen vehicles and 75 demonstration routes, providing crucial insights into the region's hydrogen-powered transportation network.