From October 27 to 29, 2025, the 2025 World Science and Technology Development Forum took place at the China Hall of Science and Technology in Beijing. This event was part of “The International Month 2025: Openness, Cooperation, Trust,” organized by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST). The forum, themed “AI for Science and Development (AI4SD),” highlighted pressing international scientific issues and cutting-edge research, establishing itself as a vital platform for global scientific dialogue and collaboration.
A key event, the parallel forum titled “Promoting Green Hydrogen Applications to Provide an Ideal Pathway for Deep Decarbonization in Modern Production and Life,” was co-hosted by the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA) and China SAE. The gathering attracted over 100 experts, scholars, and industry representatives from both China and abroad, who engaged in discussions about innovative strategies and practical solutions for advancing green hydrogen technologies. The event was also streamed online, garnering over 4,000 views.
The opening session was led by Ms. Zou Wei, Director of the Events and Communication Department of the IHFCA. Ms. Wang Ju, Secretary General of the IHFCA and a member of the UN Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), delivered a keynote address emphasizing the critical role of hydrogen energy in combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. She outlined four key initiatives to propel the global green hydrogen industry: promoting industrialization through diverse applications, fostering technological innovation, exploring varied investment and financing methods, and strengthening international cooperation to establish a shared global hydrogen ecosystem.
Ms. Lindsay Margenau, Counselor and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Embassy of Canada in China, praised China”s strides in green hydrogen development, noting Canada”s leadership in water electrolysis and hydrogen technologies. She expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration between China and Canada to enhance clean energy initiatives.
Professor Ouyang Minggao, Chairman of the IHFCA and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presented a keynote on “The New Energy Revolution and the Development of Green Hydrogen,” highlighting China”s advancements in fuel cell technology. He reported that China”s automotive fuel cell technologies have achieved international standards and called for continued innovation, particularly in fuel cell heavy-duty trucks.
Further, Ouyang stressed the importance of focusing on supply chain innovation alongside technological development. He proposed models such as hydrogen cylinder leasing and integrated hydrogen-electric refueling stations to reduce overall costs. He projected that by 2035, China”s renewable energy capacity would significantly lower green hydrogen costs and facilitate large-scale industrialization.
Mr. Wang Hao, Deputy General Manager at Sinopec Corp., shared insights on the company”s hydrogen energy strategy, including the Kuqa Green Hydrogen Project, which is the largest photovoltaic-powered hydrogen production facility globally. He noted Sinopec”s ambitions to establish a hydrogen transmission network and a unified standards system for the industry.
Mr. Mikaa Blugeon-Mered from the University of Québec at Trois-Rivières discussed the critical period for global confidence in the hydrogen sector, emphasizing China”s competitive edge in electrolyzer manufacturing and large-scale hydrogen projects.
Dr. Fang Haifeng reported on China”s fuel cell vehicle market advancements since the launch of the national demonstration city clusters program in 2021, while also addressing ongoing challenges. The forum included a panel discussion with industry leaders, fostering dialogue on the future of fuel cell technology and hydrogen applications in transportation.
Additionally, a joint report by the IHFCA and KPMG China was released, detailing the integration of AI technology in the hydrogen sector. The report reviews global practices and emphasizes AI”s role in improving efficiency and safety across the hydrogen value chain. The conclusion of the forum marked a commitment to fostering international collaboration and promoting green hydrogen as a crucial element in achieving deep decarbonization and advancing the global energy transition.
