Analysis of Hydrogen Production Potential Based on Resources Situation in China

Hydrogen energy is becoming more and more blooming because of its diversified sources, eco-friendly and green, easy storage and transportation, high-efficient utilization, etc. The use of hydrogen as an energy carrier is expected to grow over the next decades. Hydrogen, like electricity, is a secondary energy. Hydrogen production is the foundation for all kinds of applications. Based on the resources situation in China, potential of hydrogen production is analysed. China has a large potential of hydrogen production from coal, which is about 2.438 billion tons. Potential of hydrogen production from natural gas is less than that from coal, which is about 501 million tons. According to the average consumption of methanol per year, potential of hydrogen production from methanol is about 690, 000 tons per year. Potential of hydrogen production from industrial gas (coking, petrochemical and chlor-alkali industries) is about 866, 400 tons per year. Potential of hydrogen production from abandoned renewable energy power is about 1798.2 million tons per year. Distribution of resources in China differs among provinces. The deployment of hydrogen industry should pay attention to local hydrogen production potential. A green hydrogen production method, such as water electrolysis by renewable energy power, is a promising and environmental friendly way.