氢能首个核证自愿减排量方法学问世

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the issuance of the "Voluntary Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Project Methodology for Renewable Energy Electrolytic Hydrogen (CCER-01-004-V01)", which is China's first certified voluntary emission reduction methodology in the hydrogen energy sector, aimed at providing a unified standard for emission reduction accounting for eligible electrolytic hydrogen projects [3][5]. Group 1: Methodology Overview - The methodology aims to transform the emission reductions from clean and low-carbon hydrogen production into tradable carbon assets, thereby promoting the non-electric utilization and consumption of renewable energy [5][6]. - It is specifically applicable to new renewable energy electrolytic hydrogen projects and does not cover existing projects undergoing modifications or upgrades [6][8]. - The methodology simplifies monitoring parameters while ensuring that all data is verifiable and traceable, using conservative estimates to prevent overestimation of emission reductions [5][6]. Group 2: Industry Development and Potential - China's hydrogen production capacity is projected to exceed 50 million tons per year by the end of 2024, with over 600 planned renewable energy electrolytic hydrogen projects, positioning the country as a leader in the global renewable hydrogen sector [8]. - Currently, fossil fuel-based hydrogen production accounts for 98% of China's hydrogen output, with renewable electrolytic hydrogen making up only about 1%, indicating significant potential for scaling up renewable hydrogen applications [8][9]. - The estimated annual emission reduction from existing eligible projects is approximately 1.57 million tons of CO2 equivalent, with potential growth to 6 million tons by 2030 as renewable hydrogen production increases [8][9]. Group 3: Economic Impact and Commercialization - The implementation of the methodology is expected to create a second core revenue stream from carbon asset income for green hydrogen projects, significantly improving their economic models and accelerating commercialization [11][12]. - Current renewable hydrogen projects are generally unprofitable, with costs typically 2 to 3 times higher than fossil fuel hydrogen, and the average internal rate of return is below industry benchmarks [11][12]. - The methodology allows projects to participate in the voluntary emission reduction market, which is seen as the most effective way to enhance project economics, as demonstrated by a case study of a wind-powered hydrogen project [11][12]. Group 4: Broader Industry Benefits - The methodology will benefit the entire hydrogen industry chain, particularly project owners in resource-rich areas, and will indirectly benefit renewable energy plants due to increased market demand [12]. - It is expected to stimulate the release of green hydrogen capacity, providing stable sources for downstream industries such as steel, ammonia synthesis, and refining, thus supporting their decarbonization efforts [12].