China
Policy and Legislation
The Chinese government has adopted the strategy of “sustainable development” and the policy of “energy saving production, environmental friendly, and resource cyclic economy manner.” A renewable energy law came into effect in January 2006. On May 30, 1998, China signed the Tokyo Commitment, which was put into effect in February 2005.
China’s government places great importance on hydrogen and fuel cell research, development, and commercialization.
The 863 Program (named after the start date in March 1986) aims to promote the development of biological, agricultural, material, environmental, and energy technologies. During the 10th Five-year (2001–2005) Economic Development Plan, China’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) approved an 880 million yuan (US$ 106 million) R&D program to develop advanced hybrid-electric drive and fuel cell vehicles. In 2006, MOST issued the 11th Five-Year Plan for the high-technology industry, which stresses the development of hydrogen and fuel cells and is aimed at developing a large-scale hydrogen production and storage infrastructure.
The 973 Program (named after the start date in March 1997) is another MOST program, focusing on more basic research. The government is spending around 30 million yuan (US$ 3.75 million) on research into hydrogen storage materials, fuel cell membranes, and catalysts.
In 2006, the State Council issued the “outline of medium-term and long-term national science and technology development planning (2006–2020).” Hydrogen and fuel cell technology was included in the priority themes and considered cutting-edge technology.
In 2007, the Ministry of Science and Technology joined 14 other ministries and issued a “China’s National Climate Change Program” that hoped to strengthen the clean vehicle, hybrid electric vehicle, and fuel cell and hydrogen energy technologies to slow down the emissions of greenhouse gases.
In 2009, pilot programs for the demonstration of energy conservation and new energy vehicles were launched in 13 cities, including Beijing and Shanghai. The government will provide a one-off subsidy for the purchase of hybrid, electric, and fuel cell vehicles in these cities.