From the Olympic Torch to Hydrogen Fuel Stations, China is Striving to Create a Carbon-Free Olympics.
The hydrogen-powered Olympic torch for the Beijing 2022 Winter Games was lit in early February and will continue to burn throughout the duration of the event.
“To ensure the flame burns continuously and steadily, CIMC Enric has provided over 30 hydrogen transport trailer trucks, more than 10 hydrogen storage cylinders, and a dedicated set of hydrogen cylinders for refueling the torch,” said Lo Yang, CEO of CIMC Enric Holdings.
Another impressive green initiative is the deployment of over 1,000 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, a significant leap from just 3 vehicles at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and 196 vehicles at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010.
Hydrogen fuel cell bus in Zhangjiakou. (Photo: China News Service)
The frigid weather and high altitude in Zhangjiakou and Beijing present challenges for new energy vehicles. To address this issue, China’s leading oil producer and energy equipment supplier has constructed several hydrogen refueling stations at these locations.
“The hydrogen refueling equipment at the Beijing 2022 Olympics has adopted several pioneering national technologies developed by CIMC Enric. The components, pipes, and valves are made of stainless steel to meet the requirements for use in extremely low ambient temperatures,” Yang added.
According to energy market analyst Wei Hanyang from BloombergNEF, hydrogen could play a crucial role in the transition to a carbon-free society, as it is a lightweight gas that can be stored, transported, and does not emit greenhouse gases.
World’s largest hydrogen refueling station in Daxing, Beijing. (Photo: Tom Wang)
Hydrogen energy has been developed in China for buses, heavy-duty trucks, and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles. However, due to high production costs and insufficient infrastructure such as refueling stations, the hydrogen energy industry remains in its infancy and has not yet been commercially deployed on a large scale.
China aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. The Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics may serve as a starting point for accelerating the deployment of hydrogen energy in China.
