“Hydrogen Wind” Gains Momentum as Inner Mongolia Leads China’s Green Hydrogen Race
Inner Mongolia is rapidly emerging as a frontrunner in China’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry, driven by abundant renewable energy resources and supportive government policies. The region’s green hydrogen production reached 80,000 tons in 2023, with 8 green hydrogen projects already completed, according to a recent government briefing on March 20.
The push for green hydrogen – produced using renewable energy sources – aligns with China’s broader “dual carbon” goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. Inner Mongolia’s vast wind and solar potential, with technical reserves exceeding 10 billion kilowatts, positions it uniquely to capitalize on this growing market. This development is particularly significant as global investors increasingly focus on sustainable energy solutions.
Government support has been instrumental in accelerating the industry’s growth. Since the “14th Five-Year Plan” period, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has introduced over 19 policies related to the green hydrogen industry, covering the entire value chain – from production and storage to transportation and application, as well as supporting equipment manufacturing. These policies have created a robust framework for industry development.
In 2025, Inner Mongolia aims to exceed 12,694 tons of green hydrogen production, representing a 3.6-fold increase compared to 2023. Production figures for January and February of this year totaled 2,653.6 tons, indicating a stable production trend. The region is also focused on reducing production costs, currently ranging from 17 to 20 yuan per kilogram – approximately 60% of the national average.
Infrastructure development is a key priority. Inner Mongolia has released the nation’s first provincial-level green hydrogen pipeline plan, aiming to establish a “one trunk, dual loops, four outlets” hydrogen transmission network. The pipeline connecting Dalhan Mumingan United Banner to Baotou City has been fully completed. This infrastructure investment is crucial for scaling up hydrogen distribution and reducing transportation costs.
Green hydrogen applications are expanding across various sectors within Inner Mongolia. In Ordos, green hydrogen is progressively replacing fossil fuels as a chemical feedstock, while a green hydrogen-coupled metallurgy project is underway in Ulanqab. These initiatives demonstrate the versatility of green hydrogen and its potential to decarbonize key industries.
Looking ahead, Inner Mongolia plans to further accelerate its green hydrogen development during the “15th Five-Year Plan” period. This includes refining industrial planning, promoting large-scale off-grid hydrogen production technologies, and accelerating the construction of inter-provincial green hydrogen pipelines to enhance market competitiveness.
