A recent study revealed that China has overtaken Japan as the most competitive nation in hydrogen-related patents, strengthening its role as a frontrunner in zero-carbon energy, according to Nikkei News.

The study, by Tokyo-based research company Astamuse, showed that China ranked first in hydrogen-related patents in the fields of production, storage, shipment and supply, and safety management.

In recent years, China has positioned itself as a leader in clean energy innovation, especially in hydrogen development.

A previous report by China's National Energy Administration indicated that by 2024, China's hydrogen energy production and consumption surpassed 36.5 million tons, solidifying the country's global leadership in the sector. By the end of 2024, the total annual capacity of renewable hydrogen production projects worldwide exceeded 250,000 tons, with China contributing more than 50 percent.

This progress largely highlights the country's strong edge in hydrogen technology driven by government policies aimed at carbon neutrality and long-term development plans. For example, in 2022, China released a plan on the development of hydrogen energy for the 2021-2035 period.

Electrolyser technology is central to green hydrogen production. With its well-developed production capacity for alkaline electrolysers, China has solidified its position as a leading player in the global electrolyser market.  According to a report by leading global analytics solutions provider for green energy, Wood Mackenzie, China currently accounts for approximately 60 percent of the world's electrolyser manufacturing capacity and is projected to maintain this lead by constructing the majority of new facilities in the coming years.

This April, BloombergNEF revealed the top 10 electrolyser makers in the world in 2024 in its 1H 2025 Hydrogen Market Outlook report. Among them, six are Chinese.

With a more advanced level of manufacturing automation than any other country, China's GW-scale alkaline production capacity is built on nearly four decades of expertise in the chloralkali electrolyser industry. "It's this experience and longevity that has allowed China to build a vertically integrated supply chain, resulting in cost savings few other countries can match," Wood Mackenzie said.

Nikkei News analyzed that the speed at which China is outpacing Japan hydrogen-related patents is driven by the large number of companies entering the field. An increasing number of electrolytic cell manufacturers began entering the market in 2021, driven by the rising investment in green hydrogen. By 2024, the number had grown to between 100 and 200 companies. In contrast, only a limited number of companies in Japan are making similar investments.

With abundant renewable resources and established manufacturing capabilities, China is well-positioned to become a major exporter of green hydrogen. "Looking ahead, China's proactive policies could stimulate further advancements, driving down the cost of green hydrogen and making it accessible globally," according to hydrogenfuelnews.com.