China's first "intrinsic off-grid, no-storage" hydrogen production project has broken ground in Otog Banner, Ordos city.

This 5 MW solar-to-hydrogen demonstration, developed by Shenzhen Energy Co, also includes a research and development innovation center.

The project, a key step in implementing the Hydrogen Industry Development Plan (2021–35), marks the transition of China's proprietary off-grid hydrogen technology from laboratory research to large-scale engineering validation, opening a new pathway for green hydrogen production.

Unlike conventional systems, the project eliminates reliance on power grids or energy storage. A 5 MW photovoltaic array directly powers alkaline electrolyzers through a DC/DC converter, simplifying system architecture by over 30 percent.

The electrolyzer achieves a rated hydrogen output of 1,000 Nm³/h with an energy consumption of ≤4.4 kWh/Nm³. Advanced gas–liquid separation allows for 0–110 percent load adjustment and five-minute hot starts, ensuring smooth operation under fluctuating solar output while significantly cutting costs.

With an investment of 46.42 million yuan ($6.47 million), the project will generate strong environmental and economic benefits. It is expected to supply 7.65 million kWh of solar power annually, reducing CO2 emissions by 7,236 metric tons each year. Economically, it will drive domestic equipment upgrades and lower the cost of green hydrogen.

As China's first 5 MW-class project, it will also help establish full-chain technical standards and provide a replicable model for future large-scale applications.