China's First Integrated Methanol-to-Hydrogen and Hydrogen Refueling Service Station Now in Operation

Rhea-AI Summary

China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec) has launched China's first methanol-to-hydrogen and hydrogen refueling service station in Dalian, offering 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen production daily with 99.999% purity. This facility reduces costs on hydrogen production, storage, and transportation by over 20% compared to traditional stations. Sinopec, the world's largest methanol producer, addresses challenges like low transport capacity and high costs. The station's advanced design occupies just 64 square meters, drastically less than standard facilities. This initiative strengthens Sinopec's commitment to becoming China's leading hydrogen energy enterprise, with nine supply centers and the most fueling stations globally.

Positive

• Launch of China's first methanol-to-hydrogen refueling station enhances Sinopec's market position.
• Produces 1,000 kg of hydrogen daily with 99.999% purity, significantly increasing efficiency.
• Cost savings on hydrogen production, storage, and transportation exceeding 20% compared to traditional methods.
• Compact design of the facility reduces land use from 500 sq. m. to 64 sq. m. for the same production capacity.
• Sinopec's commitment to build nine hydrogen fuel supply centers across China supports industry growth.

Negative

• None.

DALIAN, China, Feb. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (HKG: 0386, "Sinopec") officially launched China's first methanol-to-hydrogen and hydrogen refueling service station (the "Service Station") in Dalian, China yesterday. An upgrade from the previous fueling station offering oil, gas, hydrogen, electric charging services, the integrated complex can produce 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen a day, with a purity of 99.999 percent.

Sinopec's hydrogen production plant has the advantages of covering a small area, having a short construction time, and having a green, environmentally friendly production process. The new Service Station can save costs on hydrogen production, storage and transportation by more than 20 percent compared to traditional hydrogen refueling stations, and it will become a pilot model to lead the development of China's hydrogen energy industry.

China produces the most methanol in the world, accounting for 60 percent of the global total. The storage and transportation cost of methanol is also much lower than hydrogen, making methanol-to-hydrogen an ideal hydrogen production technology.

Sinopec's solution has tackled the bottlenecks of low transport capacities, high costs and long loading times. In addition, the Service Station's methanol-to-hydrogen and hydrogen refueling devices has an hourly production capacity of 500 standard cubic meters, yet only occupies 64 square meters of the floor area while conventional equipment of the same production capacity would take up 500 square meters of land.

Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales Co., Ltd has built two integrated fueling stations in Dalian's free trade area, with six more now under construction. With industry-leading hydrogen production efficiency, automation and intelligent capabilities, Sinopec's solution is sustainable and green – producing zero solid waste, waste water and tail gas while conserving more energy and consuming less methanol.

"The launch of the Service Station has showed that distributed methanol-to-hydrogen is the right roadmap for the sustainable development of China's hydrogen fueling stations, it is a leapfrog development that offers a safe, reliable, green, intelligent, integrated and efficient solution that will contribute to the scaled application of hydrogen energy at lower cost," said Yang Junze, Executive Director of Sinopec Fuel Oil Sales.

As part of Sinopec's commitment to becoming China's No.1 hydrogen energy enterprise, it has built nine hydrogen fuel cell supply centers across China and built the largest number of hydrogen fueling stations in the world.

For more information, please visit Sinopec.

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SOURCE SINOPEC

FAQ

What is the significance of Sinopec's new hydrogen refueling station?

Sinopec's new hydrogen refueling station is significant as it is China's first methanol-to-hydrogen facility, enhancing hydrogen production efficiency and reducing costs.

How much hydrogen can the new service station produce?

The new service station in Dalian can produce 1,000 kilograms of hydrogen per day.

What are the cost savings associated with Sinopec's hydrogen facility?

The facility offers more than 20% cost savings on hydrogen production, storage, and transportation compared to traditional stations.

In what way does the new service station save space?

The station occupies only 64 square meters for its operations, significantly less than the 500 square meters required by conventional facilities.

How does Sinopec aim to lead in the hydrogen energy sector?

Sinopec aims to lead the hydrogen energy sector by establishing nine supply centers and operating the most hydrogen fueling stations worldwide.