The Green Hydrogen Horizon: Decoding the Linchpin of the Clean Energy Revolution | From Production Technologies and Application Challenges to Market Potential

As the world collectively confronts climate change and strives for "net-zero emissions," a fundamental transformation of our energy structure is urgently underway. The twilight of traditional fossil fuels seems closer than ever, compelling nations to prioritize the search for clean, sustainable alternatives. In this grand narrative of energy revolution, "green hydrogen" is emerging from a field of candidates, distinguished by its unique potential and hailed as a critical key to unlocking our future energy constraints. Like a Swiss Army knife for the energy sector, it's versatile and clean, poised to play a central role in transportation, industry, and even daily life. This article will guide you through an in-depth exploration of green hydrogen, starting with its basic definition and significance, dissecting the details of core production technologies, confronting current developmental challenges and bottlenecks, and looking ahead to its vast application scenarios and limitless market future. Our goal is to help you comprehensively grasp this green new force spearheading the energy transition.

What is Green Hydrogen and Why is it So Important?

Simply put, green hydrogen is hydrogen gas produced through the electrolysis of water, where the electricity used in the process comes entirely from renewable sources like solar and wind power. This means that throughout its entire lifecycle, from production to combustion (or reaction in a fuel cell), green hydrogen generates virtually no greenhouse gases, making it a truly "zero-carbon" energy carrier. In contrast, "grey hydrogen," currently the predominant form, is primarily produced from fossil fuels like natural gas or coal via processes such as steam methane reforming (SMR) or coal gasification. Producing one kilogram of grey hydrogen emits approximately ten kilograms of carbon dioxide, making it a significant source of industrial carbon emissions. "Blue hydrogen," while building upon grey hydrogen's production process by adding Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology to reduce some carbon emissions (typically by 60% to 90%, depending on capture efficiency), is not entirely clean. Furthermore, the efficiency of carbon capture, its cost, and the long-term reliability and environmental impact of storage still require large-scale validation.

With global warming becoming increasingly severe and extreme weather events more frequent, governments and corporations worldwide are setting ambitious carbon neutrality targets. The temperature control goals set by the Paris Agreement are particularly urgent. Green hydrogen, with its exceptional decarbonization potential, is an indispensable part of achieving these grand blueprints. It not only offers a decarbonization pathway for heavy industries that are difficult to directly electrify (such as steel manufacturing, cement production, and chemical synthesis) but can also replace traditional fossil fuels in long-haul transportation (like heavy-duty trucks and ships), aviation, and maritime sectors. Moreover, it can play a crucial role in power systems as a large-scale, long-duration energy storage solution, effectively balancing the intermittency and volatility of renewable energy generation. Therefore, developing the green hydrogen industry is not merely a technological choice; it's a strategic imperative concerning national energy security, enhancing industrial competitiveness, and realizing environmental sustainability. Its importance cannot be overstated.

The Core Principle of Green Hydrogen: Unraveling the Mystery of Water Electrolysis

The core of green hydrogen production lies in water electrolysis. While this process might sound complex, its fundamental chemical principle is quite straightforward. Imagine it as a precise "molecular surgery": pure water (H2O) is introduced into a special container called an electrolyzer. Inside this container are two electrodes – an anode (positive electrode) and a cathode (negative electrode) – typically separated by a membrane or electrolyte that prevents the produced gases from mixing while allowing ions to pass. When direct current, sourced from renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines, is applied to the electrolyzer, this electricity acts like an invisible pair of "energetic scissors," beginning to "dismantle" water molecules at a microscopic level.

Specifically, at the cathode, water molecules gain electrons (e−) and are reduced to hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH−) (in an alkaline environment). Alternatively, in an acidic environment, water splits into hydrogen ions and oxygen, with hydrogen ions then gaining electrons at the cathode to form hydrogen. A simplified cathode reaction (under alkaline conditions) can be represented as: 2H2O(l) + 2e− → H2(g) + 2OH−(aq). At the anode, water molecules lose electrons and are oxidized to oxygen gas (O2) and hydrogen ions (H+) (in an acidic environment), or hydroxide ions lose electrons to form oxygen and water (in an alkaline environment). A simplified anode reaction (under alkaline conditions) is: 2OH−(aq) → 1/2O2(g) + H2O(l) + 2e−. The overall chemical reaction for water electrolysis can be concisely expressed as: 2H2O(l) → (Electrolysis) → 2H2(g) + O2(g). This process requires energy, and the "green" essence of green hydrogen lies in this energy being supplied entirely by clean renewable sources, ensuring a low-carbon footprint for hydrogen production. The hydrogen produced is typically of high purity, ready for direct application or further refinement. The byproduct, oxygen, can be safely released into the atmosphere or collected for other industrial or medical uses, making the entire process exceptionally environmentally friendly.

Key Technologies and Specifications in Green Hydrogen Production

Achieving efficient, low-cost green hydrogen production hinges on continuous breakthroughs in electrolyzer technology and optimized integration with renewable energy systems. The electrolyzer, as the heart of green hydrogen manufacturing, directly dictates energy conversion efficiency, hydrogen production costs, and the overall reliability of the system.

Electrolyzer Technologies: A Showdown of AWE, PEMEL, and SOEC

Currently, three main types of electrolyzer technologies are relatively mature industrially and widely discussed: Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE), Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis (PEMEL), and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC). Each has its own advantages, disadvantages, working principles, material choices, operating conditions, and cost-effectiveness, making them suitable for different application scenarios and scales.

• Alkaline Water Electrolysis (AWE): This is the oldest and most mature water electrolysis technology, having been commercially applied for decades. AWE typically uses a liquid alkaline electrolyte (such as a potassium hydroxide, KOH, solution) and relatively inexpensive electrode materials (like nickel-based alloys). Its main advantages include a relatively simple structure, lower equipment manufacturing and operational maintenance costs, and high technological maturity, allowing for large single-unit capacities. However, traditional AWE systems have drawbacks such as relatively low current density (affecting equipment compactness), slower dynamic response (requiring minutes to hours for startup/shutdown, making them less adaptable to rapid fluctuations in renewable energy), and the potential for trace alkaline mist carryover in the produced hydrogen, necessitating additional purification. The stability and lifespan of the diaphragm are also considerations. In recent years, advancements in AWE technology, particularly in diaphragm materials and electrode coatings, have improved current density and response times.
  

• Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolysis (PEMEL): The core component of a PEMEL (or PEM electrolyzer) is a solid polymer electrolyte membrane (typically a perfluorosulfonic acid membrane like Nafion®). This membrane acts as both the electrolyte and separator, allowing only hydrogen ions (protons) to pass through. Consequently, the hydrogen produced is of very high purity (up to 99.999% or higher), suitable for direct use in most high-purity applications, such as fuel cells. PEMEL systems are compact, operate at high current densities (typically 1-2 A/cm² or higher), and have rapid startup times (seconds to minutes), enabling them to couple well with intermittent and fluctuating renewable energy sources. However, the primary challenge for PEMEL is its reliance on platinum group metals (PGMs) like platinum (Pt) and iridium (Ir) as catalysts, especially at the anode, which leads to higher initial equipment costs. The scarcity of these precious metals also poses supply chain risks. The durability of the membrane, particularly under high differential pressures and dynamic operating conditions, remains a key area for ongoing optimization.
  

• Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC): SOECs operate at high temperatures (typically around 600-850°C) and use solid ceramic materials (such as yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ) as the electrolyte to conduct oxygen ions. Their most significant advantage is the potential for very high electrolysis efficiency. At high temperatures, the electrical energy required for water splitting is reduced because part of the energy can be supplied as heat, leveraging thermodynamically favorable conditions. SOECs are well-suited for integration with industrial waste heat, high-temperature heat from nuclear reactors, or concentrated solar power, further enhancing overall energy utilization. They can also use cheaper, non-precious metal catalysts. The challenges for SOEC technology primarily lie in the selection and long-term stability of high-temperature materials, sealing technology, and relatively long startup and shutdown times. SOEC technology is currently in the early stages of accelerated commercialization and is relatively costly, but its high efficiency makes it highly promising for specific applications. It can even operate in reverse as a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) to generate electricity.

Renewable Energy Integration: The Challenge of Stable Supply

The "green" label of green hydrogen is entirely derived from the renewable electricity used in its production. However, mainstream renewable sources like solar and wind power are inherently intermittent and fluctuating, posing significant challenges to the stable and efficient operation of electrolysis plants. Frequent startups/shutdowns or prolonged operation at low loads can negatively impact the lifespan and efficiency of electrolyzers, especially AWE and SOEC systems. Therefore, optimizing the dynamic matching between electrolysis plants and renewable power generation is a critical bottleneck for the large-scale development of green hydrogen. Common solutions include: deploying appropriately sized energy storage systems (e.g., lithium-ion batteries, flow batteries) to smooth power output and mitigate fluctuations; developing electrolyzer technologies with faster dynamic response capabilities and wider load adjustment ranges (PEMEL has an advantage here); employing intelligent energy management systems to optimize plant operation based on electricity price signals and renewable energy generation forecasts; and exploring the direct integration of electrolysis plants into large renewable energy hubs to minimize electricity transmission losses.

Green Hydrogen Technology Comparison and SWOT Analysis

To more clearly understand the positioning of green hydrogen in the future energy landscape, we need not only to compare it with traditional grey hydrogen and transitional blue hydrogen but also to deeply analyze the key characteristic differences between various electrolyzer technologies.

Table 1: Comparison of Different "Colors" of Hydrogen

Feature	Grey Hydrogen	Blue Hydrogen	Green Hydrogen
Production Method	Fossil Fuel Reforming (SMR, Coal Gasification)	Fossil Fuel Reforming + CCUS	Renewable Energy Electrolysis
Primary Feedstock	Natural Gas, Coal	Natural Gas, Coal	Water, Renewable Electricity
CO2 Emission Intensity	High (approx. 10 kg CO2/kg H2)	Medium-Low (approx. 1-4 kg CO2/kg H2, depending on capture rate)	Very Low/Zero (lifecycle emissions mainly from equipment manufacturing)
Current Cost	Low (approx. $1-2/kg)	Medium (approx. $2-4/kg)	High (approx. $3-7/kg, highly dependent on electricity prices & equipment cost)
Technology Maturity	High	Medium-High	Medium (Rapid development & cost reduction underway)

Table 2: Performance Parameter Comparison of Mainstream Electrolyzer Technologies

Technology Type	Electrolysis Efficiency (%) (LHV)	Operating Temp. (°C)	Current Density (A/cm²)	Startup Time	Noble Metal Catalyst	Initial Capex	Maturity	Pros	Cons
AWE	60-75	70-90	0.2-0.5	Mins to Hrs	Generally Not Needed	Relatively Low	High	Mature tech, lower cost, longer lifespan	Slow dynamic response, alkaline corrosion, lower purity (needs purification)
PEMEL	65-80	50-80	1.0-2.5 (or higher)	Secs to Mins	Yes (Pt, Ir)	Higher	Med-High	Fast response, high purity H2, compact, high-pressure output	High cost (catalysts, membrane), PGM reliance, membrane life affected by dynamic operation
SOEC	>80-90 (potential, with heat integration)	600-850	0.3-1.5	Hours	Typically Non-PGM	Med-High	Medium	Very high efficiency, can use waste heat, non-PGM catalysts (some designs)	High-temp material challenges, complex sealing, durability & thermal cycling stability to be validated, slow startup

Note: Data in the tables are general reference ranges. Actual performance and costs will vary based on specific product designs, system scale, operating conditions, and technological advancements. Cost data are also subject to continuous change. LHV refers to Lower Heating Value.

From these comparisons, it's clear that green hydrogen offers unparalleled environmental benefits and is the ideal choice for achieving deep decarbonization. However, its current higher production cost is the primary obstacle to its widespread adoption. The choice of electrolysis technology requires a comprehensive trade-off between efficiency, cost, dynamic response capability, hydrogen purity, and compatibility with specific renewable energy sources, guided by specific application needs and economic viability.

Manufacturing/Implementation Challenges and Research Breakthroughs in Green Hydrogen

Despite its promising outlook, the path to large-scale green hydrogen development and its establishment as a mainstream energy source is fraught with multiple challenges. Globally, research institutions and industries are investing unprecedented effort into R&D, striving for breakthroughs at critical bottlenecks.

• Cost Challenge: This is currently the most significant hurdle to green hydrogen's widespread adoption. The production cost of green hydrogen is substantially higher than that of traditional grey hydrogen. Its cost structure primarily comprises three components: the price of renewable electricity (typically accounting for 50-70% of the total cost and the most sensitive factor), capital expenditure for the electrolyzer system (including the electrolyzer stack, power electronics, gas processing units, etc., accounting for about 20-40%), and operational and maintenance expenses. Key pathways to reduce green hydrogen costs include: firstly, continuously driving down the generation costs of renewable energy sources like solar and wind; secondly, significantly reducing the capital cost of electrolyzer systems through technological innovation (e.g., developing more efficient, durable catalysts and electrode/membrane materials that rely less on precious metals or use more earth-abundant materials), optimizing system design, and achieving economies of scale in manufacturing; and thirdly, enhancing the overall energy conversion efficiency and operational lifespan of electrolyzers while minimizing maintenance requirements. It is anticipated that with technological advancements and expanded production capacity, green hydrogen costs will significantly decrease within the next decade, potentially reaching a level competitive with grey hydrogen in regions with abundant renewable resources.
  

• Infrastructure: The storage and transportation of hydrogen as an energy carrier present another major set of challenges. Hydrogen is the lightest element, has a very low volumetric energy density at ambient conditions, is flammable and explosive over a wide range of concentrations in air, diffuses easily, and can cause hydrogen embrittlement in certain materials (i.e., hydrogen atoms permeate into metal lattices, degrading their mechanical properties). Current mainstream hydrogen storage and transport methods include: high-pressure gaseous storage (typically at 350 bar or 700 bar, requiring expensive and bulky carbon-fiber composite tanks), cryogenic liquid storage (requiring cooling hydrogen below -253°C, a highly energy-intensive liquefaction process, and subject to boil-off losses), solid-state storage in materials (e.g., metal hydrides, chemical hydrides, with high theoretical storage density but challenges in cycling stability, hydrogen release conditions, and cost), and large-scale long-distance pipeline transport (either by constructing new dedicated hydrogen pipelines or attempting to repurpose existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen blending, the latter involving issues of material compatibility, safety standards, and downstream separation). All these methods necessitate massive infrastructure investment and a comprehensive system of technical standards and safety regulations.
  

• Efficiency Bottlenecks and Durability: While advanced technologies like SOEC demonstrate high theoretical electrolysis efficiency potential, overall, further improving the practical energy conversion efficiency of various electrolysis technologies (i.e., reducing the electricity consumption per unit mass of hydrogen produced) and extending the stable operational lifespan of electrolyzer systems under complex real-world conditions while minimizing performance degradation rates, remain key areas of ongoing effort. For instance, in PEMEL, reducing overpotentials, enhancing catalyst activity and stability, and improving membrane mechanical strength and chemical stability are critical. For AWE, improving diaphragm performance and reducing ohmic losses are important. For SOEC, addressing the long-term stability and thermal shock resistance of high-temperature materials are crucial research topics.
  

• Water Resource Considerations: Theoretically, producing 1 kilogram of hydrogen via electrolysis requires about 9 kilograms of pure water. While this water consumption may not seem substantial compared to global agricultural or industrial water use at current production scales, the potential strain on regional water resources from future large-scale (GW- or even TW-scale) green hydrogen production cannot be overlooked, especially in many regions that are rich in solar and wind resources but concurrently face water scarcity. Therefore, developing efficient, low-cost direct seawater electrolysis technologies (bypassing the need for energy-intensive desalination pre-treatment) or coupling green hydrogen production with wastewater treatment and reuse systems will be important solutions for ensuring the sustainable development of the green hydrogen industry.

Encouragingly, global R&D efforts and technological innovations targeting these challenges are accelerating. Progress is continually being made in areas such as low-iridium/iridium-free catalysts for PEM electrolyzers, AWE electrolyzers with higher current densities and wider load ranges, and SOEC materials and stack designs offering longer operational lifetimes and faster dynamic responses. International collaboration and policy support are also actively promoting standardization and the maturation of the supply chain.

Application Scenarios and Market Potential of Green Hydrogen

The unique value of green hydrogen lies in its versatility as a clean, efficient energy carrier and industrial feedstock, with extremely broad application potential across virtually every key sector of the modern economy. This versatility signals a massive market potential to reshape the energy landscape and drive deep decarbonization.

• Transportation Sector: In transportation, green hydrogen is primarily utilized via fuel cell technology. For applications requiring high energy density, long range, and rapid refueling – such as heavy-duty trucks, long-haul buses, logistics fleets, ships, and future aircraft (e.g., hydrogen-powered planes) – hydrogen fuel cells offer significant advantages over current battery-electric solutions. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) emit only water, enabling true "zero-emission" operation, which is crucial for improving urban air quality and reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector. Specialized vehicles in confined environments like ports and mines also represent potential niches for hydrogen application.
  

• Industrial Applications: The industrial sector is a major global source of carbon emissions, and many industrial processes are inherently difficult to decarbonize fully through direct electrification. Green hydrogen can play multiple roles here: Firstly, as a clean industrial feedstock, for example, in ammonia synthesis, using green hydrogen instead of hydrogen derived from natural gas can produce "green ammonia," which in turn can be used to manufacture green fertilizers, reducing indirect carbon emissions from agriculture. In methanol production, green hydrogen can react with captured carbon dioxide to produce "green methanol," an important chemical platform compound and a potential clean fuel. Secondly, as a reducing agent, in steel production, adopting hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) technology, using green hydrogen to replace coal and coke used in traditional blast furnaces, can drastically cut carbon emissions from the steel industry at their source. Furthermore, in refineries, green hydrogen can be used for hydrocracking and desulfurization of petroleum products, replacing traditional grey hydrogen.
  

• Energy Storage and Grid Balancing: As the share of renewable energy (especially solar and wind) in power systems rapidly increases, its inherent intermittency and volatility pose challenges to grid stability. Green hydrogen offers an ideal solution for large-scale, long-duration energy storage. When renewable energy generation exceeds immediate grid demand (e.g., during intense daylight hours or windy nights), the surplus "curtailed" electricity can be used to produce green hydrogen via electrolysis, effectively converting electrical energy into storable chemical energy. When electricity supply is tight or prices are high, this stored hydrogen can be re-utilized in several ways: firstly, through fuel cells to efficiently generate electricity and feed it back into the grid; secondly, as a fuel for gas turbines to generate power (either pure hydrogen or blended with natural gas); or thirdly, supplied directly to industrial or transportation sectors. This "power-to-hydrogen-to-power/other applications" pathway is crucial for increasing the overall utilization rate of renewable energy and ensuring the grid's peak-shaving capacity and seasonal storage needs. It acts like a giant "green chemical battery."
  

• Building Heating and Distributed Generation: Green hydrogen also shows application potential in the building sector. Some countries and regions are actively exploring blending a certain percentage of hydrogen into existing natural gas pipelines (hydrogen blending, typically not exceeding 20% by volume) for use in existing gas boilers, water heaters, etc., to gradually reduce the carbon intensity of natural gas. In the future, with the maturation of pure hydrogen combustion technologies and related infrastructure, pure hydrogen heating may also become an option. Additionally, small-scale stationary combined heat and power (CHP) systems based on hydrogen fuel cells can provide clean and efficient electricity and heat for commercial buildings, data centers, or remote communities.

According to forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Hydrogen Council, and several other authoritative market research institutions, by 2050, green hydrogen could account for a significant 10% to 25% of global final energy consumption. The associated market size is projected to reach trillions of US dollars. This not only signifies enormous investment opportunities and the burgeoning growth of new industries but also heralds the accelerated emergence of a new type of energy system—one that is cleaner, more efficient, diversified, resilient, and in which hydrogen energy plays a pivotal role.

Future Development Trends and Technological Outlook for Green Hydrogen

Looking ahead, the development of green hydrogen technology will exhibit trends of diversification, deepening specialization, and systemic integration. Beyond the continuous cost optimization, efficiency enhancement, and lifespan extension of existing mainstream electrolysis technologies (AWE, PEMEL, and SOEC), a series of more forward-looking research directions and technological pathways are also receiving widespread attention and active exploration.

For example, direct seawater electrolysis technology aims to produce hydrogen directly from abundant seawater resources without the need for complex and costly desalination pre-treatment steps. This is particularly significant for regions that are water-scarce but have extensive coastlines. The core challenge lies in developing electrode and membrane materials that are corrosion-resistant, anti-biofouling, and highly selective against chlorine evolution. Photocatalytic water splitting (also known as artificial photosynthesis) is another highly promising frontier technology. It attempts to mimic natural photosynthesis in plants by using sunlight to directly split water into hydrogen and oxygen, thereby bypassing the intermediate electricity conversion step of "photovoltaic power generation - water electrolysis." Theoretically, this could achieve higher solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency. However, it is currently still in the basic research and laboratory exploration stage, with catalyst efficiency, stability, and cost being major bottlenecks.

Furthermore, research into underground hydrogen storage (e.g., utilizing depleted oil and gas reservoirs, salt caverns) as a potential solution for large-scale, low-cost hydrogen storage is gradually deepening, focusing on geological suitability, safety, and cycling efficiency. Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHC) technology, which involves the reversible hydrogenation/dehydrogenation of specific organic compounds to store and transport hydrogen as a liquid at ambient temperature and pressure, offers advantages such as safe handling and relatively high energy density for storage and transport. However, the energy consumption of the dehydrogenation process and catalyst performance still require improvement.

On the application side, green hydrogen will be more closely integrated with Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies. For instance, green hydrogen can react with industrially captured carbon dioxide to synthesize green methanol, green methane (synthetic natural gas), olefins, or even liquid fuels (so-called e-fuels or electrofuels). These carbon-neutral synthetic fuels are crucial for decarbonizing long-haul transportation sectors like aviation and shipping, which are difficult to directly electrify or hydrogenate in the short term. Simultaneously, green ammonia, as an important derivative and storage/transport carrier for green hydrogen, is garnering significant attention. Research into its production technology and its application as a marine fuel or for power generation is prominent because ammonia is easier to liquefy and transport than hydrogen and already has a mature global trade infrastructure.

Sustained policy guidance and deepened international cooperation will be key external drivers for promoting green hydrogen technology innovation and industrial scale-up. This includes developing more ambitious national hydrogen strategies and roadmaps, providing more precise and effective financial subsidies and tax incentives, establishing robust carbon pricing mechanisms to reflect the environmental value of green hydrogen, and promoting the formation of unified green hydrogen certification standards and international trade rules. It is foreseeable that with breakthrough technological advancements, continuous cost reductions, and gradual infrastructure improvements, green hydrogen will no longer be merely a conceptual option in the energy transition landscape but will be genuinely integrated into the global energy system, playing an increasingly central and revolutionary role in leading us towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Conclusion: Green Hydrogen – The Key to Unlocking the Net-Zero Era

Reflecting on the arduous global journey to address climate change, the rise of green hydrogen undoubtedly paints a hopeful picture for humanity's future energy landscape. With its unique "zero-carbon" lifecycle attributes and unparalleled breadth of application, it serves as a critical bridge and ideal link connecting abundant renewable energy resources with the deep decarbonization needs of diverse industries and sectors. In the grand chessboard of global energy system transformation towards cleanliness, low-carbon intensity, and intelligence, green hydrogen is playing an increasingly vital and irreplaceable strategic role.

Although the development of the green hydrogen industry currently faces challenges such as relatively high production costs, the need for further breakthroughs in key core technologies, an incomplete storage and transportation infrastructure, and a legal and regulatory framework that urgently requires strengthening, these initial obstacles are not insurmountable – just as with every major energy technology revolution in history. We are witnessing sustained global investment in technological innovation, proactive strategic positioning and collaboration by companies up and down the value chain, significant cost reduction effects driven by economies of scale in manufacturing, increasingly resolute and robust policy support from governments worldwide, and growing end-market demand. All these factors will collectively converge into a powerful driving force, propelling the green hydrogen industry to accelerate past its initial developmental bottlenecks and enter a phase of rapid growth.

From fundamental research in laboratories to pilot-scale demonstration projects and onto gigawatt-scale commercial deployments, the pace of green hydrogen technology development is markedly accelerating. It represents not just a new type of energy product, but more profoundly embodies a steadfast commitment to, and active exploration of, a future model of clean, efficient, and sustainable development. It is foreseeable that when the clean energy from the sun, wind, and water is continuously transformed into ubiquitous green hydrogen – powering our land, sea, and air transportation; injecting green vitality into modern industrial systems; and efficiently balancing the smart grids of the future – the clear outline of a net-zero emission society, with green hydrogen as a crucial cornerstone, will emerge on the horizon. This key to unlocking a new energy era is now firmly in the hands of our generation, requiring global wisdom, determination, and collaboration to collectively transform its immense potential into a tangible green reality.