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Hydrogen fuel cell technology development in China: Technology evolution, city-cluster network and industry chain distribution

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  • Wang, Xue
  • Fan, Li-Wei
  • Zhang, Hongyan
  • Zhou, Peng

Abstract

Identifying the evolution trajectory and cross-regional knowledge flow of hydrogen fuel cell technology contributes to leveraging the industry chain advantages for technological deployment. Based on hydrogen fuel cell patents from 2000 to 2022 in China, this study employs a dynamic topic model to explore the evolution of fuel cell technological topics and paths. We adopt network analysis to identify the knowledge flow in the city-cluster innovation cooperation network, and estimate the city-cluster policy effect on fuel cell innovation collaboration. We further examine the fuel cell technological distribution on the industrial chain and identify the division advantage in city clusters. Our findings reveal that upstream and midstream technologies in the fuel cell industrial chain emerge as prominent technology hotspots, with eastern cities assuming vital roles in the fuel cell knowledge network. The identified diverse technological focus and advantages of city clusters provide a promising way for industrial chain division optimization.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Xue & Fan, Li-Wei & Zhang, Hongyan & Zhou, Peng, 2025. "Hydrogen fuel cell technology development in China: Technology evolution, city-cluster network and industry chain distribution," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 322(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:322:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225012484
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135606
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    1. Ding, Hongbing & Zhang, Panpan & Wang, Shiwei & Yang, Yan, 2026. "Hydrogen recirculation in proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) systems considering homogeneous and heterogeneous condensation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 259(C).

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