China has initiated its first scientific drilling marketing campaign for pure hydrogen with the launch of the “Jinhydrogen Ketan 1” effectively in Xilinhot, Inside Mongolia, marking a strategic step from theoretical analysis towards sensible analysis of this rising vitality useful resource.
The venture, formally launched on October 8, 2025, coincides with the nation’s broader push to diversify vitality sources whereas advancing its “twin carbon” aims of peak emissions and carbon neutrality.
The initiative drew greater than 40 leaders and specialists from the Inside Mongolia Autonomous Area, Peking College, China Nationwide Petroleum Company (CNPC), and the China Geological Survey, highlighting the high-level coordination between academia, state enterprises, and native authorities. Academician Jin Zhijun of Peking College’s Ordos Vitality Analysis Institute, alongside regional officers, pressed the ceremonial begin button, symbolizing China’s entry into devoted pure hydrogen exploration.
Pure hydrogen—additionally known as “white” or “golden” hydrogen—is produced naturally within the Earth’s crust. Its zero-carbon profile and low extraction prices place it as a possible game-changer within the international vitality transition. Mali’s industrial manufacturing at $0.5 per kilogram has already drawn worldwide consideration, whereas Science journal acknowledged the useful resource as one among 2023’s prime scientific advances. Regardless of this international curiosity, devoted exploratory wells stay uncommon, and China had beforehand not engaged in focused pure hydrogen drilling.
The Xilinhot venture builds on foundational analysis performed since 2024 underneath the “Inside Mongolia Pure Hydrogen Enrichment Mechanism, Distribution Patterns, and Choice Space Analysis” initiative. This program, led by the Autonomous Area’s Division of Science and Expertise and Ordos Metropolis, mapped enrichment mechanisms and potential accumulation zones, producing a preliminary mannequin for hydrogen in igneous rocks alongside the northern margin of North China. Favorable goal zones recognized included Xilinhot and Ordos, with Jinhydrogen Ketan 1 chosen as the primary drilling web site.
Collaboration between Peking College Ordos Vitality Analysis Institute, CNPC, China Geological Survey, and personal buyers like Ningxia Baofeng Vitality Group demonstrates a multi-institutional strategy to useful resource evaluation. CNPC’s North China Oilfield Department contributed vital experience in regional knowledge analysis, re-examination of legacy wells, and goal optimization, whereas native governments expedited approvals and web site logistics, reflecting what officers described because the “Inside Mongolia pace” and “Inside Mongolia heat.”
The effectively, positioned on the sting of the Jiergalangtu Sag within the Erlian Basin, is designed to succeed in a depth of 800 meters to collect geological knowledge and consider the area’s hydrogen potential. The venture addresses a major hole in China’s vitality infrastructure by establishing the nation’s first devoted pure hydrogen effectively and producing expertise for future exploration. Analysts be aware that profitable exploitation may diversify regional vitality economies, cut back reliance on fossil fuels, and strengthen nationwide vitality safety in step with long-term carbon discount targets.
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