The National Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Center, which will be led and contracted by Weichai Power, was launched on April 16 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province.

The inauguration of the National Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Center is held on April 16 in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo/WeChat account: weifangfabu]

Approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology, the National Fuel Cell Technology Innovation Center is the first of its kind in China.

Focusing on the research and development and application of cutting-edge technologies and key generic technologies, the center will serve the strategic needs of the national fuel cell industry. It will aim to become an international first-class fuel cell technology innovation center that will enhance the core competitiveness of China's fuel cell and related industries.

The center will also contribute to Shandong's efforts to foster a strong hydrogen energy industry. The province has in recent years implemented a slew of measures and policies to boost its hydrogen energy economy and utilize clean fuel sources to facilitate the province's transition to a low-carbon energy mix.

Weichai Power is a leading Chinese powertrain manufacturer based in Weifang, Shandong province. The company has been ramping up efforts to extend its fuel cell industrial chain and improve the core competitiveness of its fuel cell powertrain system.

The company's new energy industrial park in the Weifang high-tech zone has a complete industrial chain covering cells, engines, engine control systems, powertrains and automotive production.

It has also established a new energy innovation center in Weifang that is supported by more than 1,000 engineers.