Archive · 30 Nov 2025
China Leads Green Hydrogen with Fast Fashion
China is leading the way in producing green hydrogen, a clean energy source.
Most of this hydrogen is used to make plastics and other materials for things like fast fashion clothes and shoes.
While some people hoped hydrogen would be used to clean up heavy industries like steel and cement, it's currently more affordable to use dirtier forms of hydrogen.
The rise of electric cars is making the petrochemical industry even more important for hydrogen use.
If we want green hydrogen to become more affordable and widely used, it might need to start with everyday items like the foam insoles in your shoes.
China leads global green hydrogen production, accounting for over 50% of the current capacity.
Green hydrogen is primarily used in the refining and chemicals industries, with a significant portion going towards fast fashion items.
Europe and North America are lagging in green hydrogen production, with expectations of only 1.2 million metric tonnes produced in Europe by 2030, far below the promised 10 million.
The shift towards electric vehicles is increasing the demand for hydrogen in the petrochemicals industry.
Grey hydrogen, the dirtiest form, is likely to remain cheaper than blue and green hydrogen until at least 2050.
- Who
- China is leading in green hydrogen production, while Europe and North America are lagging.
- What
- Green hydrogen is primarily used in the refining and chemicals industries, with a significant portion going towards fast fashion items like pantsuits and trainers.
- When
- As of 2023, over 500 hydrogen projects have been launched in China, with more expected under the next five-year plan starting in 2026.
- Where
- China is the dominant player in green hydrogen production, with significant projects and infrastructure developments.
- Why
- The shift towards electric vehicles is increasing the demand for hydrogen in the petrochemicals industry, which is crucial for the production of plastics and polymers.
- Current Global Green Hydrogen Production
- 506,000 metric tonnes
- China's Share of Global Production
- Over 50%
- Hydrogen Projects in China (2023)
- More than 500
- Hydrogen Use in Petrochemicals
- 43% of global production
- Expected European Green Hydrogen Production (2030)
- 1.2 million metric tonnes (vs. 10 million promised)
- Primary Use of Hydrogen
- Refining and chemicals industries
- BloombergNEF's Prediction on Hydrogen Costs
- Grey hydrogen likely cheaper than blue and green until 2050