China’s State Power Investment Corp (SPIC) has unveiled a substantial investment plan of RMB42bn (USD5.85bn) to develop a comprehensive renewable energy project in northeast China, as reported by Reuters on December 11. The initiative, located in Qiqihaer city of Heilongjiang province, encompasses a 3.5 gigawatt wind power plant, a 164,000 metric ton per year hydrogen production facility, and 400,000 tons per year each of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and methanol. The ambitious project aims to leverage wind power to produce hydrogen, with the first phase involving the construction of a 10,000-ton-per-year pilot plant for SAF. The SAF plant is expected to commence operations in late 2025, with plans for expansion to 400,000 tons annually by approximately 2030.

The technology for the pilot project involves blending hydrogen with carbon dioxide derived from corn-based ethanol. If successful, this renewable energy initiative will mark a significant step towards integrating green technologies into China’s energy landscape. SPIC, as a state-run entity with the largest renewable resources among China’s state utilities, is well-positioned to contribute to the country’s efforts in expanding clean power capacity, operating a total of 160 GW in installed clean power capacity. While specific timelines for the project were not provided in the report, it reflects China’s commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/climate-energy/chinas-spic-plans-59-bln-investment-turning-green-hydrogen-into-fuel-2023-12-11/