According to the regional Department of Finance, several areas in Inner Mongolia successfully secured selection in the first group of national pilot cities for comprehensive hydrogen energy application through a competitive review process.

These include Ordos, Baotou, Wuhai, Xilin Gol League, Chifeng, Hinggan League, and Ulanqab. During the pilot period of four years, these seven league cities are expected to secure a total of 1.28 billion yuan in central government reward funds.

The Ministry of Finance has already allocated the first batch of reward funds totaling 470 million yuan to Inner Mongolia.

According to policy requirements outlined in the Medium- and Long-Term Plan for the Development of the Hydrogen Energy Industry (2021-2035), jointly issued by the National Development and Reform Commission and the National Energy Administration on March 23, 2022, and the Implementation Plan for Accelerating Clean and Low-Carbon Hydrogen Application in the Industrial Sector, jointly issued by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the National Development and Reform Commission, and the National Energy Administration on December 30, 2024, starting this year, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the Ministry of Finance, and the National Development and Reform Commission will select cities with solid industrial foundations, rich application scenarios, outstanding hydrogen supply capabilities, and complete industrial chain systems through a competitive bidding mechanism to carry out comprehensive hydrogen energy application pilots.

Pilot regions are encouraged to explore new models for commercial comprehensive hydrogen application, connect the entire hydrogen industry chain from production and storage to transportation and utilization, and support the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.

The seven league cities in Inner Mongolia selected for the first batch of national comprehensive hydrogen energy application pilot cities possess strong industrial foundations in industrial scenarios such as hydrogen-based chemical feedstock substitution, green ammonia and methanol, hydrogen blending in combustion, and hydrogen metallurgy, as well as in innovative application scenarios including rail locomotives, new energy storage, and mining trucks.

During the pilot period, the regional Department of Finance plans to allocate no less than 1.28 billion yuan in supporting funds to jointly advance the implementation of a number of key hydrogen energy projects.

The goal is to explore and establish replicable and scalable commercial application models, promote carbon reduction in traditional industries, help address the challenge of wind and solar power consumption, and provide strong support for the high-quality development of Inner Mongolia's modern energy economy.