China has launched the country’s first coal-to-chemicals hydrogen project, Reuters reported, citing state-run CCTV.
The project, operated by state-owned power producer Datang Group, is expected to produce 70.59 billion cubic metres of hydrogen annually.
Coal chemicals plants usually convert coal into syngas, comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which can be further transformed into products including ammonia, methanol and olefins.
Station manager Cao Guoan did not disclose how much the plant is currently producing or whether it would generate other chemical derivatives.
The plant is located in Inner Mongolia’s Duolun and includes a 150-megawatt wind and solar plant that also sends surplus electricity to the grid.
China’s energy regulator has designated the plant as a national hydrogen demonstration project and provides a model for the green transformation of the coal chemicals industry.
China is one of the few countries transforming coal into chemicals, oil and gas at a large scale. However, the process is emissions-intensive and a reason why China consumes more coal than the rest of the world.
The country is also behind in its 2025 carbon intensity target, prompting efforts to curb emissions.
