An aerial view of the hydrogen town in Rugao. [Photo/WeChat: RGETDZ]

Rugao has become one of the few regions in China to boast a comprehensive hydrogen energy industrial chain with national clout, local media reported.

It is a result of efforts that the city has made to attract investment, encourage independent research and development, establish industrial service platforms, promote hydrogen energy application, and improve its reputation, said Lin Wenmei, vice-mayor of Rugao, at the 3rd China Energy Week event in Shanghai on Oct 28.

The Hydrogen Economy Pilot Project of the United Nations Development Programme in China was carried out in Rugao in 2016.

The city is currently home to nearly 20 hydrogen energy companies engaged in hydrogen generation and hydrogen fuel cells. Among them, three made the list of China's top eight manufacturers of cell parts for fuel-cell vehicles.

Meanwhile, a hydrogen energy town, hydrogen industrial parks, a national research and testing center for hydrogen-powered vehicles and a provincial hydrogen and fuel-cell vehicle industry alliance have been established in the county-level city.

Over the past few years, Rugao has also held various national and international conferences to draw on wisdom and resources from around the globe to boost its hydrogen energy industry and enhance its reputation in the field.