Innovation, Global Leadership, and Strategic Vision: CIHC 2026 Ignites a New Era for Hydrogen

A Debut That Captivated the Industry: New Product Launches and Strategic Signings Ignite New Momentum for Hydrogen Energy

Innovation is the core driving force behind industrial development, while the commercialization of achievements represents the ultimate realization of innovation value. After four successful editions, the fifth CIHC 2026 has evolved into a premier global launch platform for hydrogen innovations and a catalyst for transforming technological achievements into industrial applications. This year’s exhibition achieved dual breakthroughs in both the quantity and quality of innovation outcomes, with more than 60 innovative technologies and core pieces of equipment making their on-site debut, alongside the signing and launch of multiple major strategic cooperation agreements, injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the hydrogen industry.

Evonik globally launched its DURAION® wide-format anion exchange membrane product series, expanding membrane width from 50 centimeters to 1 meter, marking a key breakthrough in advancing AEM water electrolysis technology from laboratory-scale development to industrial manufacturing. 

VRB Energy made its first comprehensive entry into the green hydrogen equipment sector, unveiling water electrolysis hydrogen production systems covering the three mainstream technological pathways.

Meanwhile, Shanghai Electric’s subsidiary Hydrogen Era Technology Co., Ltd. presented new electrolyzer products spanning four major technology routes: alkaline, PEM, AEM, and SOEC.

A series of intensive signing achievements is accelerating the transformation of innovative technologies from “exhibits” into “commercial products,” driving industrial momentum from the “laboratory” to the “production line.”

A Series of High-Impact Signing Ceremonies Delivered Fruitful Outcomes

Hitachi Xin Co., Ltd. and Yuchai Hydrogen officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement, while Green Energy Hydrogen Innovation reached a partnership with China Energy Engineering Group Northwest Electric Power Design Institute. In addition, companies including Aodeyuan, Shanxi Lu’an, Hebei Yuanda Zhongzheng, and Green Gas New Energy also concluded multiple cooperation agreements on-site.

A series of intensive signing achievements is accelerating the transformation of innovative technologies from “exhibits” into “market-ready products,” driving industrial momentum from the “laboratory” to the “production line.”

The World Looks to China for Hydrogen: From “Participant” to “Global Leader”

With a truly global outlook, CIHC 2026 China Hydrogen Expo achieved a historic leap in internationalization, emerging as a key hub for connecting global hydrogen resources and advancing international cooperation. The event further highlighted China’s growing influence in global energy governance and reinforced the country’s position as a “must-enter market” for overseas companies shaping their hydrogen industry strategies. This year’s exhibition attracted 85 international exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, including the United States, Germany, Italy, and Spain, showcasing cutting-edge hydrogen technologies and solutions.

Among them, Innovation Norway organized a delegation of five Norwegian companies to showcase Norway’s advanced hydrogen technologies and development achievements. 

International companies including Enapter, Heraeus, Evonik, TÜV SÜD, Endress+Hauser, IWAKI, Beno Valve, Mecano Valves, Teijin Frontrunner, ITECH, FABRUM, GVS, Roxtec, Seetru Limited, Joltech Solutions S.L., PRUSS, and Mincatec gathered at the exhibition, presenting globally leading hydrogen equipment and safety technologies. Through extensive exchanges between Chinese and international enterprises, multiple cooperation consensuses were reached, accelerating both the “bringing in” of advanced international technologies and the “going global” expansion of China’s hydrogen industry.

During the three-day event, overseas visitors to CIHC 2026 covered 69 countries and regions worldwide. Delegations from embassies of the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and other countries attended the exhibition, alongside international institutions and enterprises including Brunel University London, Stocker Flughafen GmbH & Co. KG, Westlake Epoxy, A REJUVENATE EV POINT, and SEI Automotive Europe GmbH. These visitors arrived with clear procurement demands and strong intentions for technical cooperation, actively seeking targeted partnership opportunities.

The extensive participation of international organizations not only demonstrated CIHC 2026’s growing influence within the global hydrogen industry, but also underscored the strong global appeal of China’s hydrogen sector, laying a solid foundation for building a new landscape of international hydrogen cooperation.

Think Tank Support: 26 High-Level Forums Charting the Course for the 15th Five-Year Plan

China's 2026 Government Work Report elevated hydrogen energy to a "new growth driver", while the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan further positioned it as a strategic "industry of the future". Against this backdrop, the International Hydrogen Energy Conference and the 15th Five-Year Development Forum, held alongside the exhibition, brought together leading voices from across the sector to define development priorities and build consensus for the next stage of the hydrogen industry's growth.

The International Hydrogen Energy Conference and the 15th Five-Year Hydrogen Industry Development Forum also released the authoritative report Global Carbon Coding Identification System and Hydrogen Industry Nodes, providing scientific data support and strategic guidance for the industry's future development. Specialized forums such as the "China–Norway Green Transition and Hydrogen Forum" and the "Hydrogen Going Global: Canada Hydrogen Industry Exchange" focused on key topics including international hydrogen cooperation, technological collaboration, and joint standards development. These forums helped build global industry consensus, deliver think tank insights, and promote coordinated growth across the global hydrogen sector.

Standing at the historic juncture between the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, CIHC 2026 China Hydrogen Expo was not only a grand industry gathering, but also a starting signal for China's rise as a global hydrogen leader. The exhibition served as an important platform for advancing the "dual carbon" goals and accelerating the global energy transition.

From a comprehensive showcase of the entire hydrogen industry chain to the exchange of ideas among leading global think tanks; from the unveiling of cutting-edge innovations to a wave of strategic partnership signings — CIHC 2026 China Hydrogen Expo sent a clear message to the world through action and innovation: China’s hydrogen industry is steadily advancing from a global “follower” to a true “leader.” Powered by hydrogen and driven by innovation, China is accelerating green development and helping shape the future of the global energy transition.