At the docks of Tianjin Port Free Trade Zone's Lingang area, hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks glide silently by, emitting only clean water vapor—a scene that was merely a blueprint five years ago but has now become a daily reality. The 14th Five-Year Plan period marks a critical phase in China's energy transition, and as the "main hub" for hydrogen energy development in Tianjin, the Free Trade Zone has achieved remarkable progress in this sector. From industrial chain layout to application scenario expansion, the region has established a relatively complete hydrogen energy ecosystem. As the 14th Five-Year Plan nears its conclusion, the zone's hydrogen energy sector is transitioning from large-scale demonstration projects to a new stage of commercial operation.
At the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Free Trade Zone identified hydrogen energy as a key strategic emerging industry. Upholding green and low-carbon development principles, the zone leveraged its port advantages and industrial foundation to proactively integrate hydrogen energy into the broader Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei coordinated development strategy. By capitalizing on its strengths in chemicals, docks, and ports, the zone has built a comprehensive hydrogen energy supply chain covering production, storage, transportation, refueling, and utilization, making hydrogen a new engine for regional economic growth.
In August 2021, Tianjin's first hydrogen-powered transportation demonstration project was launched by Rockcheck New Energy Group ("Rockcheck New Energy") in the Free Trade Zone. The initial fleet of hydrogen-powered trucks began operating between Tianjin Port, industrial parks, and client sites, marking the start of large-scale hydrogen mobility applications in the region. The success of this pilot provided practical insights for subsequent policy-making and corporate investment decisions.
Expanding application scenarios has been crucial for hydrogen energy development. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the Free Trade Zone promoted hydrogen demonstrations across multiple sectors, creating a replicable "Free Trade Zone model." In port logistics, a hydrogen-powered truck route for fertilizer transport was launched in November, expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by 1.8 million kg annually compared to diesel vehicles. Recently, Rockcheck New Energy delivered 355 hydrogen trucks and initiated a "liquid hydrogen full-chain demonstration." To date, key enterprises like Rockcheck New Energy and Honghong New Energy have deployed over 1,100 hydrogen vehicles, with daily hydrogen refueling exceeding 10 tons—accounting for 17% of China's transport-sector hydrogen usage—and cumulative mileage surpassing 50 million km. Notable routes include Tianjin-Hebei Dingzhou, Tianjin-Beijing Daxing, and Tianjin-Shanxi Changzhi.
Beyond road transport, solid-state hydrogen storage technology has enabled hydrogen fuel cell forklifts and sightseeing vehicles. Tianjin's hydrogen mobility solutions have gained domestic and international recognition, particularly in northern regions like Inner Mongolia and Liaoning, where abundant gas resources and cold climates drive demand.
Alongside application expansion, enterprises in the zone have increased R&D investments, achieving breakthroughs in key technologies. In fuel cells, Rockcheck New Energy launched China's first batch of 200 kW hydrogen fuel cell trucks in March, setting a milestone for high-power hydrogen truck commercialization. These vehicles boast industry-leading efficiency (8 kg hydrogen per 100 km) and a 700 km range per refueling, a significant improvement from early in the 14th Five-Year Plan.
Hydrogen production innovations have also flourished. Rockcheck New Energy's integrated "green water, green power, green hydrogen" electrolysis project uses treated water and solar power to produce hydrogen, creating a circular "light-water-hydrogen" system with zero freshwater consumption and zero wastewater/carbon emissions.
After years of development, the Free Trade Zone has built a robust hydrogen ecosystem, with representative enterprises across production, storage, transportation, refueling, and end-use. Its 44 km "Haitongda" hydrogen pipeline, first-of-its-kind modular refueling stations, and 18 hydrogen stations across Tianjin form a preliminary supply network. In July, Rockcheck New Energy partnered with Baotou's Jiuyuan District and Inner Mongolia Huadian Hydrogen Energy to advance Baotou's "wind-solar-hydrogen coupling" initiative. A November agreement with Shenergy Northern Energy aims to explore scalable "green power-green hydrogen-application" pathways, expanding the zone's hydrogen ecosystem influence.
As the 14th Five-Year Plan concludes, the Free Trade Zone is drafting its 15th Five-Year Plan hydrogen strategy, focusing on strengthening clean hydrogen supply and scaling hydrogen mobility. Officials emphasize leveraging regional advantages to accelerate hydrogen applications in industry, construction, and energy storage, aiming to establish a nationally leading hydrogen innovation hub. From the Bohai Bay, the zone's hydrogen industry is advancing steadily toward ambitious 15th Five-Year Plan goals.
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