In southwestern Beijing's Fangshan district, Yanshan Petrochemical is ramping up hydrogen production, expecting a significant boost in supply capacity this year. In southern Daxing district, the hydrogen demonstration zone continues to attract leading hydrogen energy companies, further expanding its industrial base. 

Together, these areas signal Beijing's drive to become a hub for hydrogen energy.

Once a key refining facility supporting Beijing's fuel supply since the 1960s, Yanshan Petrochemical turned to hydrogen production as part of its green transition, providing high-purity hydrogen for the 2022 Winter Olympics. 

Yanshan's chief expert, Li Junliang, said that since the company began hydrogen production in 2020, it has supplied nearly 3,100 metric tons for fuel cell use. With a new purification facility set to launch this year, Yanshan's daily hydrogen output is expected to increase from 4 metric tons to 24 metric tons, meeting nearly half of Beijing's hydrogen demand.

At the heart of Beijing's hydrogen ambitions is Daxing's international hydrogen energy demonstration zone, home to the world's largest hydrogen refueling station. Located in this rapidly growing area, the station serves an increasing number of hydrogen-powered trucks, with a capacity to refuel up to 800 fuel cell vehicles daily.

The Daxing zone has attracted over 220 hydrogen companies. The zone also boasts a national hydrogen fuel cell vehicle testing center currently under development. Expected to open fully next year, this center will support vehicle, component, and hydrogen facility testing, providing essential services to the hydrogen industry in northern China.

Daxing will continue leveraging its hydrogen industry foundations to build a world-class hydrogen application zone, aiming to establish itself as a global leader in hydrogen energy, said Xiang Yankuan, vice director of the Daxing District Bureau of Economy and Information Technology.