Shandong province launched its first hydrogen-powered intercity vehicle network between Qingdao and Linyi at the end of June as 170 cold-chain and slag trucks took to the roads.
The vehicles traveled between the eastern city of Qingdao and Linyi city in the west, and are expected to help reduce the province's overall carbon dioxide emissions by 20,000 metric tons a year, according to the operating team at the Qingdao International Academician Park.
Reportedly, the hydrogen-powered logistics vehicle has a range of up to 450 kilometers and can be filled up in five minutes. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are quick to refuel, and their high-density energy source is suitable for long-distance transportation, performing better than electric vehicles in terms of charging speed and battery life.
Aiming at building a top-notch research and development center to encourage the application of advances in science and technology, and developing an e-commerce logistics network that will radiate out 600 kilometers from Linyi, and serve a population of 400 million, the hydrogen-powered vehicles is being undertaken as a scientific and technological demonstration project but ultimately aims to encourage the use of hydrogen in the transportation sector and for industrial and public use.
According to official data, Shandong is a major center for the chemical industry and already produces 2.6 million tons of hydrogen every year, mostly as a byproduct. Owning the country's largest photovoltaic power facility and fourth-largest wind power capacity, and accelerated efforts are being made to develop nuclear power, all activities conducive to eco-friendly hydrogen production.
The development of the hydrogen sector will help the province considerably as it reshuffles its industrial structure and seeks new avenues of growth
