China's renewable hydrogen sector is accelerating its transition from pilot exploration to a new stage of large-scale development, according to the National Energy Administration (NEA).

By the end of March 2026, the nation's combined capacity of renewable hydrogen projects—both operational and under construction—surpassed 1 million metric tons per year, with water electrolysis as the primary technical route, said Bian Guangqi, deputy director-general of the NEA's science and technology department.

The Northeast and North China regions have emerged as the main growth hubs. Currently, the Northeast accounts for 45.7 percent of the country's operational renewable electrolysis capacity, followed by North China at 30 percent.

In 2025 alone, these regions added annual capacities of over 100,000 tons and 20,000 tons, respectively, Bian noted.

While existing operational projects are primarily small-scale pilot demonstrations, the shift from demonstration technology to large-scale application is picking up speed, he said.

According to Bian, the coupling of wind, solar and hydrogen power is vital for decarbonizing key industries.

Looking ahead, the NEA will collaborate with the National Development and Reform Commission to outline hydrogen goals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30). Efforts will focus on perfecting policy management systems, deepening industrial innovation, and promoting high-quality development to support the construction of a new energy system.