[Haichuan Hydrogen Energy] NDRC: Studying ways to improve the capacity for cross-regional transportation of hydrogen, as well as to optimize the layout of refueling facilities

To implement the decisions and arrangements of **** and the State Council, and to advance the implementation of the \"Medium- and Long-Term Plan for the Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry (2021–2035)\」 approved by the State Council (hereinafter referred to as the \"Hydrogen Energy Industry Plan\"), on April 12, the Department of High-Tech Industries organized a meeting of the inter-ministerial coordination mechanism for the development of the hydrogen energy industry (hereinafter referred to as the \"Coordination Mechanism\"). The meeting was held to comprehensively assess the progress made so far and to outline the key tasks for the next phase. The responsible official from the Department of High-Tech Affairs presided over the meeting and delivered a summary. The responsible official from the Science and Technology Department of the National Energy Administration attended the meeting and spoke as well. Relevant responsible officials from 13 member organizations of the mechanism, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, spoke one after another, outlining the work carried out by their respective departments and the plans for future actions. The meeting noted that since the establishment of the coordination mechanism, the member units have adhered to the guidance of **Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. In line with the provisions of the Hydrogen Energy Industry Plan, they have strengthened the top-level planning for the development of the hydrogen energy industry, focused on enhancing the industry’s capacity for innovative development, accelerated the establishment of standard systems, and improved the support policy framework, thereby achieving positive results in the development of this industry. The meeting emphasized the need to fully implement the Party’s *spirit, adhere to a problem-oriented and goal-oriented approach, intensify efforts, strengthen coordination, and carry out subsequent key tasks in a thorough manner. First, strengthen the foundation for innovative development and accelerate the improvement of weak areas and shortcomings. Continue to advance the innovation and industrialization of advanced and applicable technologies, proactively develop cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen basic research as well as applied basic research. Second, expand diverse application scenarios and gradually promote commercial development. Advance the application of fuel cells in medium and heavy-duty vehicles in an orderly manner, organize demonstration projects for the use of hydrogen in areas such as renewable energy utilization and microgrids, and promote the use of hydrogen produced from renewable energy in industrial applications. Third, improve infrastructure development to promote cost reduction and efficiency gains across the entire supply chain. Support and guide local areas in developing renewable energy-based hydrogen production according to their specific conditions, explore ways to improve the capacity for transporting hydrogen across regions, and make rational arrangements for hydrogen refueling facilities. Fourth, strengthen policy and institutional support to create a favorable environment for industrial development. Standardize the procedures for the construction, operation, and management of hydrogen energy projects, optimize approval processes and supervision methods, strengthen financial and monetary support, and develop a comprehensive standard system.