China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, known as Sinopec, has successfully completed the nation’s first factory-based seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. This groundbreaking initiative integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, achieving an impressive hourly output of 20 cubic meters.
The project represents a significant advancement in utilising renewable energy for hydrogen production, particularly in coastal regions. It also offers a sustainable solution for managing high-salinity industrial wastewater. By adopting a factory-based operation model, the project harnesses green electricity generated from a floating photovoltaic power station at the Qingdao Refinery.
Through the process of electrolysis, seawater is effectively split into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen produced is then seamlessly integrated into the refinery’s pipeline network, where it can be utilised in refining processes or for hydrogen-powered vehicles. This factory setting ensures both efficiency and operational stability.
Seawater hydrogen production presents considerable potential for the energy sector. By converting seawater directly into hydrogen, it transforms unstable and hard-to-store renewable energy into a more manageable form. This process also conserves valuable freshwater resources, paving the way for advancements in the hydrogen energy industry.
However, the project does face challenges. The presence of approximately 3% salt in seawater and impurities like chloride ions can corrode electrolytic electrodes, while cation deposits may obstruct equipment channels, leading to reduced efficiency. Sinopec, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, has addressed these issues through innovative equipment designs and specialised technologies, including chlorine-resistant electrodes and a seawater circulation system.
Looking ahead, seawater hydrogen production is poised for large-scale industrial applications. Sinopec is committed to becoming China’s leading hydrogen energy company by advancing research and application across the entire industry chain. The company has already achieved significant milestones, including the deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyser and the commissioning of China’s first 100-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, Sinopec plans to establish 136 hydrogen refuelling stations and build 11 hydrogen fuel supply centres, reinforcing its dedication to fostering growth in the hydrogen energy sector.
