China has achieved a technological breakthrough in green energy production that allows for a 50-percent green hydrogen blend in coal-fired power generation, achieving 100-percent hydrogen combustion, state-owned power giant CHN Energy said on Sunday.
The achievement comes as China, the world's largest consumer of electricity, looks for viable pathways to meet its "dual carbon" targets -- peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.
Powered by a domestically developed, low-nitrogen hydrogen-coal co-firing burner, the system features end-to-end safety protections that manage every operational stage, from hydrogen transport to furnace combustion.
The technology ensures that hydrogen and pulverized coal are thoroughly mixed and burned within the boiler, achieving a 50-percent hydrogen blending ratio by heat value in this experimental facility.
Widespread adoption could reduce coal consumption and carbon emissions by up to 50 percent, as well as achieve effective control of nitrogen oxide emissions.
China currently operates the world's largest fleet of coal-fired power plants. Finding ways to lower their carbon footprint is considered vital to maintaining grid stability while scaling up renewables.
The breakthrough validates a highly promising technical path for substantial carbon reductions in future coal-fired power units and carries great significance for the green transition of China's coal-generated electricity.
China achieves breakthrough in hydrogen-coal power generation
