Building a robust hydrogen infrastructure is vital for the future energy system. The construction of pipelines and filling stations demands significant investment and meticulous planning. The transportation and refueling of hydrogen necessitate advanced technology and specific safety measures, given the energy carrier's high volatility and low density.

Germany and China are pioneers of the energy transition and hydrogen industry. To provide a platform for experts from both countries to identify common challenges and exchange on solutions, the GIZ and China Hydrogen Alliance (CHA) co-organized the “Sino-German Expert Workshop on Hydrogen Transport and Refueling” on November 11. The event was held under the framework of two projects - Transformation in the Mobility Sector in Asia and Germany and the Sino-German Energy Partnership. 

Hydrogen Infrastructure: Insights from German and Chinese Experts

During the event, three experts from Deutscher Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches e. V., China Hydrogen Alliance, and Lüdwig-Bölkow Systemtechnik presented the progress and challenges of hydrogen infrastructure construction in Germany and China. The keynotes touched upon the current plans of building a long-distance hydrogen pipeline network and the distribution and design of hydrogen refueling stations. The following discussion was additionally joined by experts from Linde Engineering, TUV Rheinland, Beijing Hydrosys, Shenzhen New Energy Research Institute, Beijing Institute of Petrochemical Technology, and State Grid Shandong Electric Power Research Institute. Approximately 70 participants, both online and offline, welcomed the opportunity to join the discussion, talking about the potential of liquid hydrogen and hydrogen derivates (ammonia, methanol) in hydrogen transport and refueling, related standards, equipment costs, and common solutions and learnings from international exchange.  

To follow up on this topic, the GIZ will summarize the key takeaways of the event and share the details on development of hydrogen transport and refueling in both countries. If you have further questions, are interested in the summary or the Sino-German cooperation on hydrogen, please contact Mr. Vincent Fremery (vincent.fremery(at)giz.de). 

Sino-German Cooperation in Advancing Green Hydrogen Development  

During the 11th meeting of the Sino-German Working Group on Energy in September 2023, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) of China agreed on further enhancing the Sino-German cooperation on energy, with hydrogen as a key topic. In the framework of the Sino-German Energy Partnership, experts from both countries discuss the role of hydrogen in the decarbonization process, policy development concerning green hydrogen certification and standards, as well as infrastructure development for the production, storage, and transportation of green hydrogen. Together, Germany and China aim to unlock the potential of green hydrogen in reaching climate goals.  

About the Sino-German Energy Partnership 

The Sino-German Energy Partnership is the central dialogue platform on energy and energy efficiency between the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the National Energy Administration (NEA) of the People’s Republic of China. The main objective of the partnership is to foster and advance the far-reaching and profound energy transitions ongoing in both countries by exchanging views, best practices and knowledge on the development of a sustainable energy system, primarily centered on improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy. The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implements the project under commission of BMWK. 

About the Transformation in the Mobility Sector in Asia and Germany Project 

The Transformation in the Mobility Sector in Asia and Germany Project aims to deepen the political and technical cooperation between Germany and China on climate-friendly transport and to initiate thematic exchanges with further Asian countries on holistic change of transport systems. The project supports the dialogue between the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) and political institutions, research institutes and industrial representatives, which are responsible for the transport transition in the Asian countries of cooperation as well as to further analyses transport-specific developments in East Asian countries and conducts research and technical studies.