Chongqing - Chongqing's Jiulongpo District launches its western hydrogen valley with a 20-billion-yuan (2.8 billion U.S. dollars) investment. The district targets leadership in energy transformation and industrial technology, focusing on hydrogen energy, as revealed at a December 20 press conference.

The valley will encompass the hydrogen technology park, hydrogen industry park, and a demonstrative application base for the hydrogen industry.

10 million yuan funding for individual projects

Recognizing hydrogen energy as a pivotal component of the future national energy system and a strategic emerging industry, Jiulongpo District strategically positions a 3-square-kilometer area in the Taojia sector of the Western (Chongqing) Science City.

The district will also witness the construction of a national-level commercial hydrogen vehicle production base, a national-level fuel cell system research and manufacturing base, and a national-level demonstrative application base for hydrogen energy.

Li Shun, Deputy Secretary of CPC Jiulongpo District Committee and Mayor of Jiulongpo District emphasized that the district provides special support for key technological research and development, technical upgrades, and promotion demonstration projects in the hydrogen energy industry.

Specifically, individual projects can receive support of up to 10 million yuan, and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles enjoy free parking in municipal roadside parking spaces within the district, Li added.

Hydrogen refueling: 3-5 minutes for 11 kg in heavy-duty vehicle

Jiulongpo District has attracted Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) and Sinosynergy Hydrogen Energy to lead the Western Hydrogen Valley project. It focuses on establishing commercial hydrogen vehicle production, fuel cell research, and hydrogen energy demonstration projects.

View of the new site of Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd. (Photo/Bosch China)

Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., a joint venture between Qingling Motors and Germany's Bosch, integrates research and development testing, manufacturing, and sales management and boasts Bosch's largest Class A fuel cell (assembly) research and development center.

Xiao Haodong, General Manager of Bosch Hydrogen Powertrain Systems (Chongqing) Co., Ltd., expressed Bosch's belief that hydrogen energy is a shared understanding among major countries worldwide and represents the ultimate solution for zero-carbon transportation, especially in heavy-duty commercial vehicles.

Bosch's product portfolio covers all key systems and components of hydrogen powertrains, including hydrogen fuel cells and management systems. Since 2018, Bosch has achieved the localization of all critical components and system research and production.

As of the end of November this year, Bosch has cumulatively produced 1,200 hydrogen fuel cell engines. Qingling has deployed over 500 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles nationwide.

Jiulongpo District now operates Chongqing's first hydrogen refueling station in the Banshan area. It offers a convenient process with a capacity of 170,000 kilograms.

For example, Qingling's 8-ton hydrogen-powered vehicles refuel in just 3-5 minutes, providing 11 kilograms of hydrogen for a 400-kilometer range.