China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other agencies issued a joint circular aiming for 100,000 fuel cell vehicles nationwide by 2030, double the 2025 level. End-user hydrogen prices are targeted to fall below 25 yuan (about $3.62) per kg by then, and around 15 yuan in advantaged regions.
On March 17, 2026, China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and two other departments issued a circular on piloting comprehensive hydrogen energy applications. It sets a target of 100,000 fuel cell vehicles nationwide by 2030, double the level at the end of 2025. End-user hydrogen prices should drop below 25 yuan (about $3.62 U.S. dollars) per kg by 2030, and around 15 yuan in advantaged regions, while fostering hydrogen as a new driver of economic growth. The MIIT noted that China's hydrogen industry has progressed from 'zero to one' but faces challenges like limited scenarios, high costs, and storage/transport issues. Pilots prioritize fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen-powered industry, and innovative uses, with city clusters as main participants. The central government offers reward funds for four-year pilots, capping at 1.6 billion yuan per cluster. By end-2025, nearly 40,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles were sold nationwide, with 574 refueling stations boasting over 360 tonnes daily capacity, placing China among global leaders. Applications include hydrogen public transport, urban logistics, ride-hailing fleets, and blending into natural gas pipelines and industrial boilers. The program calls for renewable hydrogen projects to replace fossil fuel-based production using coal and natural gas. (178 words)