China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation's (Sinopec) completes China's first factory-based seawater H₂ production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. The project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green H₂ production, achieving an hourly output of 20 cubic meters of green H₂. This innovative approach not only offers a new solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for green H₂ production but also provides an alternative pathway for the resourceful utilization of high-salinity industrial wastewater.

The project adopts a factory-based operation model, leveraging part of the green electricity generated from Qingdao Refinery's floating photovoltaic power station. Through electrolysis, seawater is split into H₂ and oxygen, with the produced H₂ seamlessly integrated into the Qingdao Refinery's pipeline network for use in refining processes or H₂-powered vehicles. The entire production process occurs within a factory setting, ensuring efficiency and operational stability.

Seawater H₂ production holds significant potential. By directly converting seawater into H₂, unstable and hard-to-store renewable energy can be transformed into green H₂, which is relatively easier to store and utilize. Moreover, this process conserves precious freshwater resources, offering a new pathway for the development of the H₂ energy industry.

Despite its advantages, seawater H₂ production comes with challenges. Seawater contains approximately 3% salt, and impurities, such as chloride ions, can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits may clog equipment channels, reducing efficiency and causing damage. Sinopec Qingdao Refinery, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has successfully overcome these challenges through a series of specialized equipment innovations and unique process designs, including chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plate design, and a seawater circulation system, enabling a seamless integration of research and practical applications.

Seawater H₂ production is expected to achieve large-scale industrial applications in the future. Sinopec is accelerating its efforts to become China's leading H₂ energy company by advancing the research and application of H₂ technologies across the entire industry chain.

Sinopec has already achieved several milestones, including the successful deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer and the commissioning of China's first 100-kilowatt solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, the company has established 136 H₂ refueling stations, and built 11 H₂ fuel supply centers, underscoring its commitment to driving high-quality growth in the H₂ energy sector.