In a significant stride towards energy sustainability, a groundbreaking achievement was reached at the integrated green electricity and green hydrogen project in Daye, Hubei Province. There, hydrogen of exceptional 99.99 percent purity was recently generated, marking a major milestone for the region’s energy transition.
The project was undertaken by the China National Chemical Engineering No. 16 Construction Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Ltd (CNCEC).
Hydrogen with a purity of 99.99 percent was recently produced at the integrated green electricity and green hydrogen project in Daye, Hubei Province. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
As the only project in Hubei selected for the National Development and Reform Commission’s clean and low-carbon hydrogen energy innovation demonstration program, the initiative represents a strategic step toward optimizing the regional energy structure and ensuring energy security. With a total investment of 3.437 billion yuan, it also sets a benchmark for transforming traditional mining areas into hubs for green industry.
The project adopts a dual-technology approach—combining alkaline and PEM (proton exchange membrane) electrolyzers—to establish a green hydrogen industry chain that includes solar power generation, hydrogen production, storage, transportation and refueling. Once fully operational, it will produce 1,800 tons of green hydrogen annually, meeting the demand in industrial and transportation sectors and injecting fresh momentum into the green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt.
Notably, the project introduces central China’s first PEM electrolyzer unit, breaking traditional bottlenecks in hydrogen production technology. It enables stable operation under ultra-low load conditions, as low as 5 percent of rated capacity.
Situated in a former mining zone, the project faced multiple obstacles including limited space, the difficulty of transporting large equipment, and unstable water and electricity supplies. To overcome these, the project team worked closely with local authorities to build temporary access roads and upgrade utility infrastructure.
On November 20, 2023, the first pile was driven into the ground, marking Daye’s formal entry into the hydrogen era. The heart of the project consists of five sets of 1,000 Nm³/h alkaline electrolyzers and two sets of 200 Nm³/h PEM electrolyzers, all managed by a proprietary smart hydrogen management system. The innovation provides robust support for efficient and intelligent hydrogen production.
By November 30, 2024, installation of the hydrogen production units was completed. On March 7, the power station was successfully energized.
Over the 16-month construction period, the project adhered to the highest safety and quality standards. Daily briefings, full-staff training, and smart monitoring ensured real-time risk control. Environmental protection measures such as dust suppression and vegetation restoration were integrated into the construction process. Adhering to a “zero-defect” policy, all procedures — from materials to final inspection — were rigorously managed.
In just two years, CNCEC has laid the groundwork for a hydrogen-powered future in Hubei, paving the way for greener growth along the Yangtze River.
(Executive editor: Yuan Ting)
