The Green Hydrogen Race: China's Emerging Dominance in Electrolyser Manufacturing
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Science and Technology (Green Hydrogen, Electrolysers - Alkaline vs. PEM); Indian Economy (International Trade, Supply Chains, Critical Minerals); Environment and Ecology.
Mains:
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): The geopolitical competition over green technologies and supply chains.
General Studies Paper 3 (Economy, S&T, Environment): Infrastructure: Energy; Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life; Indigenization of technology; Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation. This is a core GS3 topic.
Key Highlights from the News
China is attempting to establish global dominance in the manufacturing of electrolysers, which are essential for Green Hydrogen production. 🇨🇳
China is achieving this dominance through government state subsidies, lower prices, and control over the supply chain, similar to what it did with solar panels.
Currently, China controls 85% of the world's Alkaline (ALK) electrolysers manufacturing capacity. This is a cheaper but less efficient technology.
Two types of electrolysers:
Alkaline (ALK): Lower cost, older technology.
Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM): Higher cost, more efficient, better suited for renewable energy. China imports critical materials like iridium and platinum required for this.
However, unlike solar panels, China's dominance may not be as easy to achieve in the green hydrogen sector, as other countries are giving it high priority.
Due to concerns about supply chain security, there is a possibility of more restrictions on Chinese imports in the future.
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