#China #Qingdao #Green Energy #Hydrogen #Sinopec

China's Pioneering Seawater Hydrogen Production Project

In December 2024, Sinopec, officially known as China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386), marked a significant milestone in clean energy with the completion of China's first seawater hydrogen production project at its Qingdao refinery. This groundbreaking endeavor employs direct electrolysis of seawater to generate green hydrogen, supported by renewable energy sources. The facility is capable of producing an impressive 20 cubic meters of hydrogen per hour, setting a new standard for sustainable energy use in coastal areas.

The initiative not only propels Sinopec as a frontrunner in hydrogen technology but also showcases a novel method for utilizing renewable energy strategies in converting seawater to hydrogen. The production facility leverages a portion of the green electricity generated by a floating photovoltaic power plant within the refinery premises. Through the electrolysis process, seawater is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with the hydrogen being seamlessly integrated into the existing pipeline network of the Qingdao refinery, where it can be utilized for refining processes or as fuel for hydrogen-powered vehicles.

This innovative approach has significant implications for industrial energy systems, as converting unstable and difficult-to-store renewable energy resources into green hydrogen simplifies storage and enhances usability. Additionally, the method conserves valuable freshwater resources, providing a sustainable avenue for the hydrogen industry’s growth.

However, extracting hydrogen from seawater presents its own set of challenges. With approximately 3% salt content, seawater carries impurities like chloride ions that can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits might obstruct equipment channels and lead to inefficiencies. Sinopec, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemistry, has tackled these challenges head-on through innovative equipment and unique process designs. These include chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plate designs, and an efficient seawater circulation system that effectively incorporates research insights into practical applications.

As Sinopec accelerates its efforts to emerge as China's leading hydrogen energy producer, it continues to push the boundaries of hydrogen technology across the entire industry chain. The company has already achieved critical milestones, including the successful deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer and the commissioning of China's first 100-kilowatt solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) project. Looking forward to 2024, Sinopec plans to establish 136 hydrogen refueling stations and build 11 hydrogen supply centers, reinforcing its commitment to fostering high-quality growth in the hydrogen energy sector.

The successful implementation of the Qingdao facility opens new industrial applications for hydrogen production at scale and exemplifies Sinopec’s pioneering role in advancing clean energy technologies in China and beyond. As the global demand for green hydrogen escalates, initiatives like Sinopec's stand at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions for the future.



Sinopec Logo