Xinda Securities·2025-12-06 14:27Investment Rating - The investment rating for the hydrogen energy industry is "Positive" [2] Core Insights - The "14th Five-Year Plan" emphasizes the importance of hydrogen energy, indicating a long-term positive outlook for the hydrogen energy sector. Hydrogen is recognized as a key secondary energy source that can facilitate the large-scale consumption of renewable energy and contribute to the decarbonization of various sectors such as industry, construction, and transportation [3][16][18]. - As of the end of 2024, global hydrogen demand is projected to reach 105 million tons, with China accounting for nearly 30% of this demand, making it the largest consumer of hydrogen globally [20][22]. - The production of green hydrogen is expected to face challenges due to high costs, but it is anticipated that by around 2030, production costs could decrease to below 15 yuan per kilogram, making it competitive with coal-based hydrogen [34][35]. Summary by Sections Hydrogen Energy in the "14th Five-Year Plan" - Hydrogen energy has been included in the "14th Five-Year Plan," highlighting its strategic importance. Over 60 countries have announced hydrogen development strategies, with significant investments in hydrogen infrastructure and production [16][17][18]. Current Status of the Hydrogen Industry - In 2024, China's hydrogen production is expected to exceed 36.5 million tons, with a year-on-year growth of 3.5%. The primary uses of hydrogen in China are for synthetic methanol (27%) and synthetic ammonia (26%) [20][27]. - The majority of hydrogen production currently relies on fossil fuels, with over 80% of hydrogen produced from natural gas and coal [24][27]. Hydrogen Industry Chain - The hydrogen production methods include fossil fuel-based hydrogen, industrial by-product hydrogen, and electrolysis of water. Electrolysis is seen as the most promising method for future development due to its low emissions [30][31]. - The storage and transportation of hydrogen account for 30-40% of total costs, presenting significant challenges for large-scale hydrogen deployment [37]. End-Use Applications - The chemical industry is the largest consumer of hydrogen, accounting for 70% of usage, with a focus on green ammonia and green methanol production [43][44]. - Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are emerging as a key application in the transportation sector, with over 30,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in operation in China as of 2024, reflecting a growth rate of nearly 50% year-on-year [45][46].