Spatial optimization strategies for China’s hydrogen infrastructure industry chain

Abstract

Promoting the development of China’s hydrogen energy industry is crucial for achieving green energy transition. However, existing research lacks systematic studies on the spatial layout of the hydrogen industry chain. This study constructed a comprehensive theoretical framework encompassing hardware infrastructure, software systems, and soft power. Using multi-source heterogeneous data, GIS analysis, and NVivo text coding methods, the current regional layout and challenges of China’s hydrogen infrastructure industry chain were systematically evaluated. The findings determined that economically developed eastern regions lead in infrastructure and soft power, while central and western regions leverage their resource and manufacturing advantages. Major challenges include regional imbalances in hardware infrastructure, uneven distribution of soft power, and misalignment between software systems and actual needs. Analysis of the “14th Five-Year Plan” of various regions elucidated deep insights into the diversity of local hydrogen energy development strategies, identifying five types of hydrogen cities: resource-advantaged, market-oriented, regionally collaborative, innovation-driven, and policy-supported. Accordingly, strategies to enhance industry chain synergy, clarify city roles, and optimize regional ecosystems were proposed. It is recommended to integrate hydrogen infrastructure with urban planning and incorporate environmental impact assessments into spatial optimization decisions. This study provides a systematic analytical framework and progressive policy recommendations for the efficient and green layout of China’s hydrogen infrastructure, offering important implications for the sustainable development of the hydrogen industry and other rapidly developing economies.