Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power as a pathway for wind and solar renewable energy utilization in China: Opportunities and challenges

Amid the escalating global climate crisis, countries worldwide are vigorously implementing carbon reduction strategies with unprecedented commitment. The development of wind and solar energy is a crucial strategy for achieving global net-zero emissions. However, the inherent variability and geographical intermittency of these resources present significant challenges to their large-scale, high-penetration integration. The Power-to-Hydrogen-to-Power (P2H2P) pathway offers a promising solution to mitigate renewable energy curtailment and reduce grid fluctuations caused by intermittent generation. Nevertheless, key challenges remain in renewable energy integration, hydrogen storage and transportation, and hydrogen-to-power conversion, all of which hinder the large-scale deployment of this pathway. Although several developed countries have introduced relevant policies and roadmaps, these efforts often target isolated components rather than adopting a systematic approach. This study examines the potential of developing the P2H2P pathway in the context of China. The results indicate that, despite existing technological barriers in hydrogen storage, transportation, and hydrogen-fueled gas turbines, China possesses abundant renewable energy resources and a well-established energy infrastructure. With continued policy support and technological advancements, the realization of the dual-carbon goals via the P2H2P pathway is considered both viable and promising.