Hydrogen energy is accelerating its way into daily life.
Recently, the 2026 China Hydrogen Energy Exhibition was held in Beijing. In the exhibition hall, 523 enterprises and over 1,000 new technologies and products were showcased together, covering the entire hydrogen energy chain from hydrogen production, storage and transportation, refueling to various applications. Through visiting the exhibition hall, the reporter's biggest impression was that hydrogen energy is accelerating its journey from laboratories and exhibition stands to our daily lives.
The picture shows a journalist (the one in the front row, on the right) visiting the model of Shanghai Electric's direct coupling hydrogen production system using seawater. (Cao Xiaomin took the photo.)
Hydrogen production equipment "springs up in multiple locations"
Entering the hydrogen production and testing hall, the electrolyzers exhibited by Shanghai Electric, namely the anion exchange membrane (AEM), proton exchange membrane (PEM), and alkaline (ALK) types, are highly impressive. The staff explained that the AEM electrolyzer uses 100% domestically produced anion exchange membranes and non-precious metal catalysts, significantly reducing the manufacturing cost; the PEM electrolyzer, under the condition of a rated gas production capacity of 300 standard cubic meters per hour, has a direct current consumption as low as 3.95 kilowatt-hours, with a maximum gas production capacity of 500 standard cubic meters per hour, and can flexibly adapt to the fluctuating characteristics of green electricity that relies on weather conditions; the ALK alkaline electrolyzer is highly efficient and energy-saving, with a direct current consumption of only 4.17 kilowatt-hours per standard cubic meter under the rated working condition of 4000 amperes per square meter.
On this exhibition stand, a model of a 4000 standard cubic meters per hour direct coupling hydrogen production system using seawater was also displayed. Through the demonstration of this model, journalists could clearly observe the process of directly producing hydrogen from seawater. In actual use, the area occupied by this device is significantly reduced. The staff explained: "The water treatment system in the device does not require additional power consumption. It is driven solely by the residual heat of the device itself. Moreover, the device can also be applied in wastewater hydrogen production scenarios."
A "4-to-1" hydrogen production system model on the Longji hydrogen energy exhibition stand also attracted a lot of attention. This system integrates 4 1000 standard cubic meters per hour electrolyzers and 1 gas-liquid separation and purification equipment. Exhibition staff Zhu Haifeng explained: "Compared with the traditional '1-to-1' configuration， this '4-to-1' streamlined design can save 25% of hydrogen production equipment investment and 20% of construction costs. At the same time， it provides sufficient operational flexibility for the production line， with each unit supporting each other. Fluctuations in individual units do not affect the system operation， and it meets the requirements for continuity and economy in large-scale green hydrogen production."
At the national energy exhibition stand, a "sentinel" named "Hydrogen Patrol" is giving a live demonstration. This is an explosion-proof intelligent inspection robot, and it is also the world's first AI intelligent multi-axis collaborative inspection robot for hydrogen energy scenarios. According to the staff at the exhibition stand, this robot integrates laser SLAM, inertial navigation and RTK high-precision positioning technologies, achieving centimeter-level precise positioning for inspection potential, and can monitor various key parameters such as gas leakage, abnormal temperature, and instrument readings in real time. Its working endurance can reach 8 hours, ensuring the safety of hydrogen energy facilities.
In addition, various hydrogen energy device accessories were showcased in the exhibition hall, each competing for attention. Evonik made its global debut with a wide-width anion exchange membrane, which has a width increased from 50 centimeters to 1 meter, significantly enhancing the production efficiency of the membrane components. At the China International Automotive Exhibition, China Zhongshang showcased PTFE gaskets and PPS membranes for alkaline electrolyzers with high reliability, featuring wide temperature ranges and adaptability to fluctuations, which are more in line with real application conditions and ensure the long-term safe operation of the electrolyzers. Continental Hydrogen exhibited hydrogen purification equipment that can remove trace amounts of oxygen and moisture from hydrogen, increasing the hydrogen purity to over 99.999%, to meet the needs of different application scenarios.
Storage, transportation and distribution have seen rapid development.
At the exhibition site, technologies related to hydrogen storage, transportation and refueling also kept up the pace. The LanSi Group's exhibition booth showcased a variety of products such as 98 megapascal high-pressure hydrogen storage containers and hydrogen storage spherical tanks. The staff member Tian Tongtong introduced: "The 98 megapascal high-pressure hydrogen storage container can withstand the pressure cycle fatigue damage caused by tens of thousands of hydrogen charging and discharging cycles. While achieving high-density and large-capacity hydrogen storage, it can ensure long-term safe and stable operation. Currently, this container has been successfully applied in the 70 megapascal hydrogen refueling station in Danzao, Foshan, Guangdong Province, providing efficient refueling services for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. It takes only 5 minutes to fill the hydrogen tank."
As a key component that affects vehicle range and safety, high-pressure hydrogen storage cylinders have been applied in small-scale hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The vehicle-mounted compressed hydrogen plastic inner liner carbon fiber fully-wrapped cylinder exhibited by Sinochem is specifically designed for hydrogen storage. Staff member Li Yang explained: "This hydrogen storage container adopts a structure with a plastic inner liner and carbon fiber wrapping on the outside. It can balance the lighter weight with a higher unit hydrogen storage density, enhancing the safety and economy of on-board hydrogen storage."
In the future, large-scale and long-distance transportation using hydrogen energy will be an inevitable trend. This requires the rapid realization of hydrogen retailing. Hangzhou Oxygen Group has showcased its established national hydrogen retail network and supply chain service system, which can provide hydrogen products with a purity ranging from 99% to 99.999%, meeting the needs of various applications such as industrial production and fuel cells.
In addition, CRRC has released its independently developed highly reliable hydrogen supply system, which has passed the assessment for installation on new energy locomotives and provides core support for various hydrogen-powered vehicles. The liquid helium temperature range multi-watt level cryogenic refrigeration equipment model brought by Zhongshan Advanced Low Temperature Technology Research Institute can achieve an equivalent hydrogen liquefaction capacity of 10 tons per day, marking that China's large-scale hydrogen liquefaction technology has entered the forefront of the world.
The application scenarios are continuously expanding.
In terms of application scenarios, hydrogen energy is becoming more tangible and accessible to people's daily lives. The hydrogen-powered two-wheelers exhibited by Houpu Co., Ltd. can be used in scenic spots, schools, communities and other places. According to the staff at the exhibition booth, this vehicle is equipped with solid-state hydrogen storage technology. It can be refueled by simply replacing the hydrogen tank, with a maximum range exceeding 100 kilometers and zero carbon emissions throughout the journey. In addition, the three-tank quick-change hydrogen-powered electric scooter from Jiangan Hydrogen Source, the solid-state hydrogen storage delivery vehicle from Huawang Hydrogen Energy, and the hydrogen-assisted bicycle from Suzhou Suzyu, all make hydrogen energy more accessible.
Drones are also an important application of hydrogen energy, but the issues of endurance and replenishment are development challenges. The hydrogen-powered drone exhibited by Cavoro can carry a 20-liter high-pressure gas cylinder and has an endurance of up to 3.5 hours, suitable for scenarios such as desert and forest fire prevention. In addition, the company has specially designed the C-WING low-altitude hydrogen refueling tower for low-altitude aircraft. It adopts a modular hydrogen refueling design and can quickly replenish hydrogen for drones, effectively solving the industry problems of short endurance and low operational efficiency of traditional drones.
Apart from its application in the transportation sector, hydrogen is also integrating into daily life in various other roles. At the exhibition site, a Cavolo "Lighty" hydrogen coffee machine was producing hydrogen and extracting it on the spot. This attracted visitors to watch the process of making hydrogen-infused freshly ground coffee and taste its unique flavor. According to the staff at the exhibition booth, small molecules of hydrogen can improve the taste of water and also help break down caffeine, making it very friendly for people with coffee allergies.
From hydrogen production to storage and transportation, and then to various applications, the 2026 China Hydrogen Energy Exhibition fully presents the entire picture of the hydrogen energy industry chain. It also enables people to truly feel that hydrogen energy is taking root in various scenarios, moving from technological breakthroughs to practical applications.
