Hydrogen Power: A New Option for Net-Zero Carbon Emissions

Professor Chung-Jen Tseng's Team Develops Next-Generation "P-SOEL" Hydrogen Electrolysis Technology

Bureau of Standards Develops Over 30 Hydrogen Energy Standards to Support Industry

Taiwan aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. In addition to aggressively developing renewable energy, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is evaluating the import of hydrogen or ammonia-based energy produced from foreign renewable electricity. This has led to an increased focus on hydrogen energy research, including green hydrogen production, hydrogen storage, and applications.

To ensure power grid stability, the NSTC is also funding the development of advanced energy storage and grid systems. However, scholars urge the government to establish clear regulations, provide subsidies, and enhance public communication to ensure that hydrogen energy benefits everyone.

NSTC Calls for Proposals on Advanced Energy Storage Technologies

NSTC’s Director of Engineering, Le-Wen Hung, stated that the council launched the Advanced Technology Development and Implementation Research Program in 2023. The first phase runs until June 2025, and the second phase will begin in July. This initiative aims to advance hydrogen energy technology, including:

🔹 Green hydrogen production
🔹 Hydrogen storage solutions
🔹 Hydrogen energy applications

With Taiwan set to adopt a high proportion of renewable energy, the NSTC is also investing in energy storage and grid integration technologies to ensure power stability.

Key Hydrogen Energy Technologies in Development

The NSTC is seeking proposals for cutting-edge hydrogen and energy storage technologies, including:

✅ Hydrogen Production Technologies

• Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Water Electrolysis Catalysts
• Seawater Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production
• Alkaline Membrane Electrolysis
• Power-to-X (P2X) High-Value Hydrogen Production
• Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC)

✅ Hydrogen Storage and Applications

• Hydrogen Storage Materials
• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
• Hydrogen Blended Boilers

✅ Energy Storage & Smart Grid Technologies

• Virtual Power Plants (VPP)
• Net-Zero Microgrids at the Distribution Level

Taiwan’s Hydrogen Energy Future: Challenges & Solutions

Professor Chung-Jen Tseng, former president of the Taiwan Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Association, stated that according to Taiwan’s National Development Council, renewable energy will account for only 60–70% of Taiwan’s energy mix by 2050. The remaining energy gap must be filled with imported zero-carbon energy, and hydrogen is a promising option.

Although Taiwanese researchers began developing hydrogen technologies as early as 1998, early government support was limited, causing Taiwan to lag behind countries like the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea. However, government focus has now increased, and the Bureau of Standards, Metrology, and Inspection (BSMI) has developed over 30 hydrogen energy standards in the past two years.

Challenges in Hydrogen Imports: Transportation & Cost

One of the biggest challenges in importing hydrogen is transportation. Liquid hydrogen requires storage at -253°C, making it difficult to handle.

Dr. Wei-Hsuan Hung, chairman of the Taiwan Net-Zero Strategy and Sustainable Development Association, suggests converting hydrogen into ammonia (NH₃), which is easier to transport at -30°C to -50°C. Taiwan’s Greater Southern Silicon Valley Project is already working on green ammonia-to-hydrogen conversion. However, ammonia should be classified as fuel rather than a chemical to accelerate adoption.

Subsidies & Public Communication Are Key

🔹 Hydrogen energy remains expensive. Dr. Hung suggests subsidizing hydrogen and ammonia energy similarly to renewable electricity incentives to boost market adoption.

🔹 Public awareness is crucial. Hydrogen has been safely used in industrial applications for decades, and Taiwan already has a global liquid ammonia supply chain and operating system. With advancements in energy storage and distribution, low-carbon fuel transportation issues can be effectively addressed.