A research group at Renmin University of China released a research report on Dec 10 on the development potential of hydrogen cities in China, evaluating the hydrogen energy development potential of 285 cities.

The first hydrogen-powered buses hit the road in Qingdao on Jan 28, 2021. [Photo/guanhai.com.cn]

Qingdao ranked fifth, while Shanghai, Suzhou and Shenzhen took the first three spots.

In recent years, focusing on the hydrogen energy industry, Qingdao has formed a relatively complete hydrogen and fuel cell vehicle industrial chain covering hydrogen production, storage, transportation and processing, key material components, fuel cell systems, and fuel cell vehicles, making it a national leader.

In China, spurred by the nation's carbon goals, governments at different levels all exploring the hydrogen industry, which was mentioned in the country's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25). More than 40 Chinese cities have introduced policies to promote the development of hydrogen energy.

Relying on its industrial foundation in new energy vehicles, petrochemicals, rail transit, port shipping, intelligent manufacturing and more, Qingdao is strengthening efforts to produce, store, transport and use hydrogen energy.