China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has successfully completed China’s first factory-based seawater hydrogen production research project at its Qingdao Refinery. This pioneering project integrates direct seawater electrolysis with renewable energy-powered green hydrogen production, achieving an output of 20 cubic meters of green hydrogen per hour. It offers a novel solution for coastal regions to utilize renewable energy for hydrogen production while also providing an innovative approach to utilizing high-salinity industrial wastewater.

The project uses part of the green electricity generated from the Qingdao Refinery's floating photovoltaic power station to power the electrolysis process. During electrolysis, seawater is split into hydrogen and oxygen, with the produced hydrogen being seamlessly integrated into the refinery’s pipeline network. The hydrogen can then be used in refining processes or for hydrogen-powered vehicles. The entire production process takes place within a factory setting, ensuring both operational efficiency and stability.

Seawater hydrogen production holds immense potential, as it allows for the direct conversion of seawater into hydrogen. This process can transform renewable energy, which is often unstable and difficult to store, into green hydrogen, a form of energy that is easier to store and utilize. Additionally, it conserves freshwater resources, offering a sustainable pathway for the growth of the hydrogen energy industry.

However, producing hydrogen from seawater presents several challenges. Seawater contains approximately 3% salt, and impurities like chloride ions can corrode electrolytic electrodes. Cation deposits can also clog equipment channels, reducing efficiency and potentially damaging the system. To address these issues, Sinopec Qingdao Refinery, in collaboration with the Dalian Institute of Petroleum and Petrochemicals, developed specialized equipment and innovative processes, such as chlorine-resistant electrode technology, high-performance electrode plates, and an advanced seawater circulation system. These innovations have enabled the successful integration of research findings into practical applications.

Sinopec’s seawater hydrogen production project is a significant step toward large-scale industrial applications. The company is accelerating its efforts to become China’s leading hydrogen energy provider by advancing research and developing technologies across the entire hydrogen industry chain. Sinopec has already achieved several key milestones, including the successful deployment of a megawatt-scale PEM electrolyzer and the commissioning of China’s first 100-kilowatt Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) project. By 2024, Sinopec will have established 136 hydrogen refueling stations and 11 hydrogen fuel supply centers, demonstrating its commitment to the high-quality growth of China’s hydrogen energy sector.

As a major energy and petrochemical conglomerate, China Petrochemical Corporation (the Company) operates across all sectors, including upstream, downstream, production, supply, marketing, and both domestic and international trading. It has a registered capital of 326.5 billion yuan, with the chairperson of the Sinopec Group board acting as its legal representative.

The Company’s principal businesses include industrial investment and management, petroleum and natural gas exploration, production, storage, and transportation, coal production and sales, oil refining, and the wholesale and retail of oil products. It also covers petrochemical, gas-based chemicals, and new energy product production and sales, including hydrogen, solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Additional operations include battery charging for electric vehicles, petroleum engineering services, R&D, and the manufacturing of electrical equipment. The Company is involved in electricity, steam, water production, and international trade, including logistics and foreign project contracting.