European CEOs seeking closer partnership with China on clean energy

BEIJING, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Mar, 2026) China is emerging as a global leader in renewable hydrogen production, attracting nearly one-third of the $110 billion committed worldwide investment in clean hydrogen, industry leaders said at the Clean Energy Expo China (CEEC).

“China leads the game in renewable hydrogen production capacity,” said Ivana Jemelkova, Chief Executive Officer of the Belgium-based Hydrogen Council. She emphasized the importance of building trusted energy partnerships to sustain industrial growth, create high-quality jobs and strengthen economies.

Europe, meanwhile, faces mounting energy challenges. As a net energy importer, it is grappling with rising costs, with gas futures doubling and oil prices increasing by over 50 percent since the beginning of the year. According to energy think tank Ember, wind and solar contributed 30.1 percent of the European Union’s electricity generation in 2025, significantly below its 2030 target of over 60 percent, China Economic Net reported.

Green hydrogen produced through water electrolysis using renewable energy has been identified by the EU as a key solution for reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Under its REPowerEU plan, the bloc aims to produce and import 10 million tonnes of renewable hydrogen each by 2030.

Globally, investment in clean hydrogen has grown rapidly, expanding at an annual rate exceeding 50 percent since 2020. However, green hydrogen still accounted for less than one percent of total production in 2025, highlighting significant growth potential.

China is capitalizing on this opportunity through large-scale deployment and policy support. By the end of 2025, the country’s hydrogen production exceeded 37 million tonnes, with renewable-powered electrolysis capacity surpassing 200,000 tonnes annually. The country also operates the world’s largest fleet of fuel-cell vehicles and hydrogen refuelling stations.

Falling production costs are further boosting competitiveness. According to official data, the cost of electrolytic hydrogen in China has dropped by nearly 40 percent since 2020, with some regions approaching parity with coal-based hydrogen.

European firms are increasingly turning to China as a manufacturing hub and innovation partner. Industry representatives at the expo highlighted China’s scale, cost advantages and strong research capabilities as key drivers for future collaboration in the global clean energy transition.