Core Insights - The global hydrogen energy industry is experiencing a historic turning point, with China surpassing Japan in comprehensive patent competitiveness for the first time, marking a significant shift in clean energy technology leadership [1][2]. Group 1: Patent Competitiveness - China ranks first in four out of five key technology areas in hydrogen energy, including manufacturing, storage and transportation, safety management, and overall competitiveness [2]. - In the manufacturing sector, China holds 60% of global electrolyzer production capacity, significantly reducing green hydrogen equipment costs to one-fourth of those in Europe [2]. - China's patent score is 12.7 percentage points ahead of Japan, with an average of 27,000 patent applications per year over the past five years, double that of Japan [2][3]. Group 2: Policy and Market Support - The acceleration of policy support is evident, with the 2022 "Hydrogen Industry Development Medium- and Long-Term Plan" positioning hydrogen as a key component of the national energy system, aiming for a green hydrogen production target of 200,000 tons by 2025, which has already been exceeded in 2024 [3]. - Local governments have introduced 560 special policies to support hydrogen development, including innovative mechanisms like toll fee exemptions and non-chemical park hydrogen production [3]. - The demand market is robust, with China's hydrogen consumption reaching 28 million tons in 2023, accounting for 30% of global demand, driven by industrial applications such as Baowu Steel's hydrogen-based blast furnace [3].