China has taken another step in expanding its renewable hydrogen capacity with the release of a tender for the EPC general contracting of Huadian’s 50MW off-grid wind power hydrogen production demonstration project in Xinji, Hebei.

The announcement, published on 18 August, details plans for the integrated project being developed for Aosen Special Steel. The site will feature a 50MW wind farm, a 2.5MW/5MWh energy storage system (ESS), and two sets of 1,000 Nm³ alkaline water electrolysers. Together, these systems will enable hydrogen production and storage to support both industrial use and clean mobility applications.

As part of the project, a 2,000 kg per day hydrogen refuelling station and a 2,000kW hydrogen engine will also be installed, supported by associated infrastructure. The integrated approach is designed to demonstrate the viability of combining renewable power with hydrogen production, distribution, and utilisation in a single ecosystem.

The construction schedule is tightly framed. Work is expected to commence on 6 September 2025, with commissioning at full capacity targeted for 31 January 2026. The timeline of 148 calendar days highlights both the urgency and the emphasis on fast-tracking green hydrogen development in Hebei province.

Importantly, the tender allows for consortium bids, although participation is capped at two consortium members. This provision opens the door for collaboration between specialised contractors and technology providers while ensuring streamlined project delivery.

The project’s design reflects China’s broader ambition to integrate renewable energy with hydrogen production at scale. By operating off-grid, the Xinji facility demonstrates how hydrogen can enhance energy independence while providing a pathway to decarbonise industries such as steelmaking, where Aosen Special Steel is expected to utilise the hydrogen output.

Industry observers note that the inclusion of both an energy storage station and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure makes this a comprehensive demonstration of renewable hydrogen’s potential across industrial and transport applications. If successful, the model could be replicated in other provinces as China accelerates towards its dual carbon goals.

With the tender now open, Huadian’s project underscores how provincial and industrial partnerships are advancing hydrogen innovation at a rapid pace, laying the groundwork for scaling up green hydrogen adoption in the years ahead.

Source:

https://www.metal.com/en/newscontent/103487865